Peru’s First Woman President Has Been Impeached After Gen-Z Led Massive Anti-Government Protests
122 out of 130 lawmakers voted to remove Boluarte. They impeached her on the grounds of "permanent moral incapacity”
Peru has removed its first woman president following massive Gen Z-led demonstrations against government corruption, rising insecurity and unemployment rates.
63-year-old Dina Boluarte became the first woman president after her predecessor Pedro Castillo was impeached and arrested over corruption charges in 2022.
A rise in gang violence and multiple corruption scandals made her one of the most unpopular leaders in the world, with an approval rating of 2-4%, according to the BBC.
She has faced several corruption scandals, including claims that she accepted Rolex watches as bribes.
Public anger deepened after she doubled her salary in July to 35 times more than the minimum wage, about US$9,700 a month, despite her low approval ratings.
Boluarte also pushed a controversial law that would require all Peruvians over the age of 18 to pay into a private pension provider, regardless of their employment status.
The reforms have since been rolled back, but frustration continued as people are facing an unofficial employment rate of over 70 percent, according to Al Jazeera.
Young people, many under the age of 30, held a two-day demonstration in the capital city of Lima on Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, under the slogan “United for the Peru we deserve”.
Boluarte faced further criticisms after telling Peruvians to simply not answer calls from unknown numbers to avoid falling victims of extortion — a comment widely seen as dismissive amid a rise in violent crime.
Anger intensified after a shooting during a concert in Peru’s capital Lima injured five people on Wednesday Oct. 8.
Lawmakers then submitted at least five impeachment requests and held impeachment discussions against Boluarte on the evening of Oct. 9.
In the early hours of Oct.10, 122 out of 130 lawmakers voted to remove Boluarte on the grounds of "permanent moral incapacity".
Protesters gathered outside Congress erupted in celebration after the decision was announced.
In a televised speech following her impeachment, Boluarte said she always sought “unity” and cooperation.
Congress has appointed 38-year-old lawyer José Jerí as interim president, who will stay in power until elections in April 2026, becoming Peru’s seventh president in the last seven years.
Sofia Hou
Kassy Cho
