In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Dina Boluarte was removed from office as the president of Peru following a late-night congressional vote on Thursday, October 9, 2025. This decision came after months of mounting pressure and investigations into a string of serious allegations against her, ranging from bribery to her involvement in the deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in 2022.
Boluarte, who made history in 2022 as Peru’s first female president, became embroiled in controversy almost immediately following her ascension to power after the ousting of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo. Castillo’s impeachment and arrest led to Boluarte’s elevation, but her term has been plagued by scandals that have ultimately led to her removal from office.
The vote to remove Boluarte, which saw support from political parties across the spectrum, marks a major turning point in Peru’s ongoing political instability. Critics have described Boluarte’s presidency as a continuation of a cycle of scandal and corruption that has marred Peruvian politics for decades.
A Presidency Under Fire
Dina Boluarte’s presidency was beset by multiple allegations that undermined her leadership. Most notably, she was under investigation for her role in the violent suppression of protests that erupted after Pedro Castillo’s removal from office. The protests, which spread across the country, resulted in more than 60 deaths, many of them at the hands of government security forces.
In addition to her involvement in the crackdown, Boluarte faced accusations of corruption. One of the most high-profile allegations against her was that she had accepted expensive Rolex watches and other luxury jewelry as bribes. These allegations, which came to light through investigative reporting, painted a picture of a leader embroiled in corruption while grappling with a deepening political crisis.
However, the most salacious of the accusations was the claim that Boluarte had neglected her duties as president to undergo plastic surgery in 2023. According to reports, Boluarte took nearly two weeks off for a nose job without informing Congress or delegating her presidential powers during her absence, which is a constitutional requirement. While Boluarte insisted that the surgery was medically necessary, the surgeon involved denied the claim, stating that the procedures were entirely cosmetic.
In a rare move, Boluarte refused to attend the vote that would determine her fate. The session in Congress was called to order to discuss her “permanent moral incapacity” to govern, with lawmakers from multiple parties, including those that had previously supported her, rallying behind her removal. The vote passed with overwhelming support, signaling a unanimous rejection of Boluarte’s leadership.
Boluarte’s Legacy: A Short and Troubling Presidency
Dina Boluarte’s presidency began with much promise. After Castillo’s dramatic removal, Boluarte, who was serving as vice president, assumed office as the country’s first female head of state. However, she quickly found herself caught in a series of political and legal challenges.
The most significant of these was the violent repression of protests that erupted following Castillo’s ouster. Security forces clamped down on demonstrators in a manner that many international organizations, including the United Nations and human rights groups, criticized as excessive. These actions, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Peruvians, severely damaged Boluarte’s credibility and her standing among the public. Her attempts to defend the actions of her security forces were met with widespread condemnation, further eroding her support base.
But the scandals did not stop there. Accusations of bribery and luxury gifts like Rolex watches compounded Boluarte’s challenges. Critics questioned how a leader, already embroiled in political and security controversies, could accept such lavish gifts, casting further doubt on her integrity.
The plastic surgery scandal also sparked outrage. In a country already disillusioned with the frequent scandals surrounding political figures, Boluarte’s decision to undergo surgery while neglecting her duties as president seemed to signal a lack of seriousness and commitment to the responsibilities of office. Although she claimed the surgery was “essential for her health,” the incident undermined her credibility and was seen by many as a final straw.
Peru’s Long History of Political Instability
Boluarte’s removal is not an isolated incident in Peru’s long history of political instability. In fact, her ousting highlights a broader pattern in which Peruvian presidents often face corruption charges, legal troubles, or even impeachment. Since the turn of the millennium, Peru has seen at least seven presidents face legal challenges related to corruption, human rights violations, or abuse of power.
Perhaps most notably, former President Alberto Fujimori’s tenure ended in scandal when he was accused of corruption and human rights violations. Fujimori fled to Japan in 2000, and his successor, Alejandro Toledo, was also later accused of corruption. The political turmoil continued under Ollanta Humala, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, and, of course, Pedro Castillo. This revolving door of presidents facing criminal charges has contributed to a pervasive sense of disillusionment and frustration with the political system.
Boluarte’s ousting only adds to this grim legacy, raising questions about the stability and effectiveness of Peru’s political institutions. Many analysts have pointed out that while the country has democratic processes, there is a deep-seated issue with corruption and political volatility that makes meaningful governance difficult.
The Future of Peru’s Leadership
Following Boluarte’s removal, José Jerí Oré, the President of Congress, has assumed the role of interim president. According to Peru’s constitution, he is now required to call for new elections, which could take place in the coming months. However, the process is not without its challenges.
Peru’s political system is deeply polarized, and it remains unclear which parties or candidates will emerge as the front-runners in the next election. While some hope for a fresh start, the country’s history of political scandals and instability means that many Peruvians are skeptical that the new leadership will be able to effectively address the country’s pressing issues.
In particular, Peru faces ongoing challenges related to organized crime, security concerns, and economic instability. These issues were exacerbated during Boluarte’s presidency, and whoever takes the helm next will need to address these urgent matters head-on.
For now, Peru’s political future remains uncertain. With its leaders embroiled in scandal and its citizens increasingly frustrated, the country is at a crossroads. The coming elections will be a critical moment in determining whether Peru can break free from its cycle of corruption and political dysfunction, or if the country will continue to struggle with instability.
Conclusion
The removal of Dina Boluarte marks yet another chapter in Peru’s long and troubled political history. From allegations of corruption to her role in the deadly crackdown on protests, Boluarte’s presidency was beset by scandal from the start. Her ousting serves as a reminder of the deep political dysfunction that continues to plague Peru, as well as the challenges the country faces in building a stable and accountable political system. With the appointment of an interim president and the promise of new elections, Peru’s future remains uncertain—but it is clear that the need for change is urgent.
