Peru has once again entered a period of political turmoil after Congress voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office. The decision has sent shockwaves through the nation, already facing economic challenges and widespread social unrest.
With a history of frequent leadership changes, many Peruvians are frustrated and uncertain about what comes next.
Why President Boluarte Was Removed
Peru’s Congress voted to remove Boluarte through a vote of no confidence, citing “moral incapacity” as the main reason. Out of 130 lawmakers, an overwhelming 122 voted in favor of her removal. Her approval rating had fallen below five percent, showing widespread public dissatisfaction.
Congressional leader José Jeri has now been chosen as the interim president while Congress continues to debate whether to impeach Boluarte.
| Key Facts About the Removal | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for Removal | Moral Incapacity |
| Votes Against Boluarte | 122 out of 130 |
| Approval Rating | Less than 5% |
| Interim President | José Jeri |
| Next Step | Possible impeachment process |
The Salary Controversy
One of the biggest triggers behind Boluarte’s downfall was her decision to double her salary in July 2025. This move came at a time when Peru’s economy was struggling, unemployment was high, and the minimum wage remained very low.
Reports say her new salary became 35 times higher than the country’s minimum wage — a decision that angered citizens already battling inflation and rising living costs.
Critics saw this as a symbol of disconnection between the government and ordinary Peruvians. Protests soon spread across cities, demanding her resignation and calling for new elections.
A Pattern of Political Instability
Boluarte’s removal is not an isolated case. Her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, faced a similar fate in 2022 when he was also removed by Congress for alleged corruption and misconduct.
Since 2018, Peru has had six presidents, and three of them are now in prison. This pattern of short-lived leadership has weakened public trust and made it harder for the country to move forward politically or economically.
List of Peru’s Recent Presidents (Since 2018)
| President | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Pablo Kuczynski | 2018 | Resigned |
| Martín Vizcarra | 2020 | Impeached |
| Manuel Merino | 2020 | Resigned after protests |
| Francisco Sagasti | 2021 | Interim term |
| Pedro Castillo | 2022 | Impeached and jailed |
| Dina Boluarte | 2023–2025 | Ousted by Congress |
Public Reaction and Nationwide Protests
After the announcement, hundreds of protesters took to the streets demanding justice and a complete change in leadership. Major cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco saw road blockades and large crowds chanting slogans against corruption and inequality.
Many citizens argue that political elites are out of touch with real problems such as poverty, unemployment, and rising crime. Protesters are calling for new elections and constitutional reforms to end years of political chaos.
The Challenges Ahead for Peru
Interim President José Jeri faces an uphill battle in restoring order and confidence. The economy is fragile, crime rates are rising, and citizens are losing faith in government institutions.
To stabilize the nation, the new administration must focus on:
- Rebuilding public trust
- Fighting corruption
- Creating fair economic policies
- Ensuring justice and transparency
If these goals are not achieved soon, Peru risks sliding deeper into a political and social crisis.
Peru’s latest political shake-up highlights a serious issue — the country’s democracy is fragile and deeply divided. The ouster of President Boluarte shows how unstable governance and poor leadership decisions can trigger widespread unrest.
For lasting peace, Peru must strengthen its political system, rebuild trust between the people and government, and focus on the country’s future rather than power struggles.
