On October 10, 2025, Peru’s Congress voted 124-0 to remove President Dina Boluarte from office on grounds of “permanent moral incapacity.”
The swift impeachment was driven by a surge in violent crime, allegations of corruption, and widespread public discontent.
With no vice president in office, Congress President José Jerí was sworn in immediately as the interim president, tasked with leading until new elections.
Why Congress Acted — The Triggers
Several factors converged to push lawmakers toward removal:
- Escalating crime wave: The country recorded over 6,000 homicides between January and August 2025, along with a sharp rise in extortion complaints.
- High-profile violence: A mass shooting at a concert in Lima galvanized public outrage and underscored perceptions of insecurity.
- Corruption scandal: Allegations surfaced that Boluarte possessed undeclared luxury jewelry valued at roughly $500,000, undermining trust and feeding calls of moral unfitness.
- Low public support: Her approval ratings had sunk into the single digits, leaving her politically weak and vulnerable to removal.
These conditions created a perfect storm, making impeachment appear not only legally possible, but politically inevitable.
Transition Of Power
Because Boluarte had no vice president, the constitutional mechanism placed José Jerí next in line.
At age 38, Jerí — formerly head of Congress — took the oath of office immediately after the impeachment vote.
He became interim president and now oversees efforts to calm the security crisis, reboot public confidence, and ensure timely elections.
Key Data At A Glance
| Item | Detail / Figure |
|---|---|
| Date of removal | October 10, 2025 |
| Impeachment vote tally | 124 in favor, 0 against |
| Grounds for removal | “Permanent moral incapacity” |
| Interim successor | José Jerí, age 38 |
| Duration of interim term | Until July 2026 |
| Planned elections | April 2026 |
| Homicides (Jan–Aug 2025) | Over 6,000 |
| Corruption allegation | Jewelry around $500,000 |
| Boluarte’s previous tenure issues | Deadly protests, low approval |
Implications for Peru
Security & Law Enforcement
Jerí’s first priority must be addressing the spiral of violence.
Crackdowns on crime hotspots, disrupting extortion rings, and restoring police capacity will be scrutinized immediately.
Political Stability & Governance
Another abrupt change in leadership raises concerns about continuity.
But Jerí’s government has a defined timeline and the clarity of a democratic transition to mitigate destabilization.
Economic & Investment Climate
Political volatility often spooks investors.
Delivering a stable roadmap toward elections will be essential to reassure domestic and foreign stakeholders that Peru remains governable.
Legal & Institutional Questions
The “moral incapacity” clause is controversial and rarely applied.
The near-unanimous vote, however, may bolster its legitimacy as a constitutional tool—though critics argue it invites abuse.
Background On Boluarte’s Presidency
Boluarte ascended to the presidency in December 2022 after her predecessor’s removal.
Her time in office was marked by deadly social unrest, confrontations with regional governments, accusations of heavy-handed security operations, and persistent claims of corruption.
By late 2025, her political capital was exhausted; multiple earlier attempts to impeach her had failed, but the convergence of security breakdown and scandal finally shifted the balance irreversibly.
Peru has entered a new political chapter. With José Jerí now in charge, the country faces an urgent test: can the interim government reduce violence, restore trust, and keep the roadmap to April 2026 elections intact?
The coming weeks will be critical. If Jerí succeeds in restoring order and demonstrating clean governance, this transition could mark a turning point in Peru’s long cycle of instability.
