Peru has seen dramatic political shifts. In a surprising turn, the country now has its seventh president in less than 10 years.
Congress overnight removed President Dina Boluarte, and José Jerí, a 38-year-old lawyer with little political experience, stepped in. This change has shaken Peru and raised many questions — about stability, crime, and elections. Let’s break down what happened and what it means.
What Led to Boluarte’s Impeachment?
Congress Moves Fast
Late on Thursday, Peru’s unicameral Congress (with 130 seats) accepted four separate motions to remove President Dina Boluarte. They claimed her government had failed to control rising crime.
They summoned her to appear before them before midnight, but she did not show up. Congress quickly held a vote. By shortly after midnight, 124 lawmakers voted to impeach her. There were no votes against. This was the ninth attempt to remove Boluarte.
Public Anger Over Crime
Tension had already been high. Just hours earlier, a man opened fire at a concert in Lima, the capital, leaving five people injured. Such violent incidents stirred deep public unease about safety and lawlessness.
Who Is José Jerí?
Unexpected Rise to Power
José Jerí had become President of Congress in July, supported by many of the same parties that backed Boluarte. When Boluarte was removed and there was no vice president to take her place, Jerí was next in line.
In an earlier interview (August), Jerí had said he would not replace Boluarte if she were impeached — citing respect for the presidency and her nearing term end. But fate had a different plan for him.
Controversies & Accusations
Earlier in the year, Jerí had been the subject of a preliminary investigation for sexual assault. Months later, that inquiry was dropped without a detailed explanation. Jerí denied the allegations when speaking to media outlets.
His Plan as Interim President
Jerí will serve only as interim president, finishing Boluarte’s original term. Peru’s next presidential elections are scheduled for April, and Boluarte’s term was supposed to end on July 28, 2026.
Jerí has said he will focus on reconciliation, fight rampant crime, and ensure neutrality in elections.
Boluarte’s Time in Office
How She Became President
Dina Boluarte was Peru’s first female president, assuming office in December 2022. Her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was removed by Congress using the same impeachment route after he tried to dissolve the legislature.
Boluarte had been serving as vice president. Because she moved up to president, there was no one next in line in that spot, which set the stage for Jerí’s succession.
Her Defense & Investigations
After her removal, Boluarte addressed the nation, saying:
“I have not thought of myself, but rather of Peruvians.”
During her time in office, accusations also surfaced. Peru’s Attorney General’s Office requested that she be barred from leaving the country while they looked into two cases: money laundering and corruption.
One case involves alleged money transfers from before she became president; the other involves claims she used her presidential power to help a plastic surgeon who supposedly performed a secret nose job on her. She later admitted to having had the procedure.
The Deep Roots of Peru’s Crisis
Massive Protests & Political Instability
Boluarte’s presidency was plagued by protests. In just the first three months, more than 500 protests demanded her resignation.
Her administration repeatedly struggled to control violent crime. She once blamed illegal immigration, saying:
“This crime has been brewing for decades … criminals enter everywhere … without restrictions.”
Official records show that between January and mid-August, over 6,041 people were killed — the highest number in that period since 2017. Also, from January to July, there were 15,989 extortion complaints, a 28% increase from the same time in 2024.
Boluarte vs Jerí’s Presidencies
| Aspect | Dina Boluarte | José Jerí (Interim) |
|---|---|---|
| How came to power | Became president after predecessor impeached | Next in line (Congress President) after Boluarte’s removal |
| Political experience | Moderate, previously vice president | Low, mostly in legislative roles |
| Key challenges | Crime, corruption, protests | Restoring trust, maintaining peace, overseeing elections |
| Term duration | December 2022 to removal (intended until July 2026) | Until April elections, finishing Boluarte’s term |
| Accusations | Money laundering, corruption | Sexual assault investigation (dropped) |
What to Watch Next
- April elections: Will be crucial for Peru’s future direction
- Crime control efforts: Can Jerí make an impact in a short term?
- Legal investigations: Outcomes regarding Boluarte and Jerí
- Public trust: Can the people of Peru regain faith in their institutions?
Peru’s political landscape changed overnight when Congress removed President Dina Boluarte and installed José Jerí as interim president. In less than a decade, this is Peru’s seventh leader, reflecting deep instability.
Boluarte’s tenure was marred by protests, violence, and legal probes, while Jerí steps into a challenging environment with limited time. The road ahead is uncertain, but April’s elections may offer Peru a chance to reset.
