Peruvian Congress Removes President Dina Boluarte From Office
LIMA,Peru – The Peruvian Congress voted Friday to dismiss President Dina Boluarte from office,citing “permanent moral incapacity” to address the country’s escalating crime problem. The motion passed with 121 votes in favor, out of a possible 130, following a late-night session that began Thursday evening Brasília time.
The vote came after opposition parliamentarians presented four motions for Boluarte’s removal,arguing her government had been insufficient in combating rising insecurity. The motions were admitted for discussion, and Boluarte was given the possibility to present a defense, either in person or through counsel.
However, Boluarte did not appear before Congress. Her lawyer, Juan carlos Portugal, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that they declined to participate, alleging a violation of due process due to insufficient time to prepare a defense. “Today, the national parliament…renounced this guarantee and will consummate its violation.Due process is a right, not an illusion…We will not validate it!” Portugal wrote.
Following the vote, Boluarte addressed the nation from the Government Palace, defending her governance’s record. “At all times, I called for unity…for fighting for our country. In this context, I didn’t think about myself, but rather about the more than 34 million Peruvians who deserve…growth with democratic stability and a government without corruption, as we have done,” she stated.
Boluarte assumed the presidency in December 2022 after Congress impeached Pedro Castillo when he attempted to dissolve the legislative body.Her removal comes amidst widespread public criticism and protests over the country’s security situation, reflected in a recent Datum International poll showing a 93% disapproval rating.
As per the Peruvian Constitution, José Enrique Jerí Oré, the current president of Congress, has assumed the presidency.
