Peruvian lawmakers have voted to oust President Dina Boluarte, whose time in office has been marked by widespread unrest and criticisms over her handling of rising criminal activity.
Boluarte declined to attend a congressional session late Friday after a majority of legislators, including some former allies, moved to begin impeachment proceedings. She was asked to appear before Congress at 11:30 p.m. but did not attend, leading to a final vote of 118 in favor of her removal.
"The president's impeachment has been approved," said congressional leader José Jerí, who will now serve as interim leader until scheduled elections in April 2026.
"Today, I humbly assume the presidency of the republic... to establish and oversee a transitional government," Jerí told lawmakers after being sworn in.
Boluarte's time in office has been defined by frequent demonstrations, multiple scandals, ongoing inquiries, and increasing gang-related violence. Previous attempts to remove her from power had been unsuccessful.
The recent impeachment motion cited her alleged ongoing inability to fulfill her responsibilities since taking office in December 2022.
Peru has seen six different leaders in roughly nine years.
Boluarte assumed the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was removed from office following protests that resulted in at least 50 deaths. Her public support has since declined sharply.
She is currently under investigation in multiple cases, including allegations of failing to report receiving high-end jewelry and watches, a controversy referred to as "Rolexgate." Additionally, she granted herself a substantial salary increase in July.
Recent weeks have seen growing demonstrations after the government enacted a law on September 5 mandating that young workers contribute to private retirement funds, despite high levels of job instability and an unofficial unemployment rate exceeding 70%.
Over the past six months, protests have also intensified due to a surge in extortion and killings by criminal organizations.
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