In a move that reflects the profound political instability characterizing the Andean nation, Peru's Congress voted on Wednesday to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, just four months after she assumed the presidency. The motion to vacate the presidency, approved with 65 votes in favor, 45 against, and 2 abstentions, was based on the accusation of "permanent moral incapacity," a controversial constitutional figure that has been used multiple times in the last decade to oust sitting leaders. Boluarte, who assumed the presidency in December 2023 following the ouster and arrest of her predecessor Pedro Castillo, faced mounting pressure over her handling of the economy and allegations of corruption within her inner circle.
The context of this removal cannot be understood without examining the recent years of Peruvian politics. Peru has had six presidents in the last five years, and none have managed to complete their constitutional five-year term since 2016. This chronic instability has plunged the country into a governance crisis that has prevented the implementation of long-term state policies and eroded citizens' trust in institutions. The economy, one of the best performers in the region over the past two decades, is beginning to show signs of fatigue, with growth projected at just 1.5% for the current year, well below the historical average.
The data reveals the magnitude of the challenge: according to the Peruvian Institute of Studies (IEP), Boluarte's presidential approval rating had fallen to a historic low of 11% in polls preceding the vote. Furthermore, 78% of Peruvians disapprove of Congress's performance, an institution whose image has been severely tarnished by corruption scandals and internal partisan struggles. "We are facing a political system that has collapsed," declared political analyst Giovanna Peñaflor in a televised interview minutes after the result was known. "The figure of 'moral incapacity' has become a political weapon instead of an exceptional control mechanism, and this has an enormous cost for democracy."
The impeachment process unfolded during a tense parliamentary session. Opposition lawmakers, led by right and left-wing parties, presented their arguments accusing the president of a lack of transparency in the awarding of public works contracts and erratic management in the face of social protests that have resurfaced in the south of the country. "Mrs. Boluarte has demonstrated an absolute lack of suitability to lead the nation's destiny," stated Congressman Jorge Montoya during the debate. In her defense, the president's allies argued that the motion was a "parliamentary coup" aimed at disrupting judicial investigations involving several legislators.
The immediate impact of this decision is constitutional succession. According to the Peruvian Constitution, the presidency must be assumed by the President of Congress, currently Alejandro Soto Reyes, who will serve as interim president. However, the Constitution stipulates that Congress must elect a new permanent president within 30 days. This process promises to be complex and divisive, given the fragmentation of the legislature, where no party holds a clear majority. Political uncertainty has already transferred to the markets: the Peruvian sol depreciated by 2.3% against the US dollar in the parallel market, and the country risk, measured by the Peru EMBIG, rose by 25 basis points.
In the long term, Boluarte's removal deepens the crisis of representation and threatens to trigger a new cycle of social protests. Indigenous organizations and collectives from the country's poorest regions have announced mobilizations to demand early general elections and constitutional reform. "The people do not feel represented by this Congress or by any president they choose behind closed doors," stated social leader Ruth Bautista from the city of Puno. The international community has also reacted. The Organization of American States (OAS) issued a statement expressing "concern" and urging "respect for the constitutional order and prioritizing democratic stability."
In conclusion, the removal of Dina Boluarte is not an isolated event, but the most recent symptom of a structural political crisis consuming Peru. The recurrent use of presidential vacancy as a tool of political struggle has emptied the Executive Branch of authority and turned governability into a scarce commodity. To escape this labyrinth, the country requires not only a new president but a grand national agreement that includes a reform of the political system, the strengthening of institutions, and the recovery of citizens' trust. Until this happens, Peru will remain trapped in a cycle of instability that compromises its economic and social development.
