Congress removes Dina Boluarte amid rising crime in Peru

In Peru, Congress voted to impeach President Dina Boluarte on October 10, 2025, in a late-night session that culminated years of scandals and public discontent. Lawmakers cited her government's failure to address an alarming surge in crime, which had left the nation in turmoil. The session began after a shocking concert shooting that injured five individuals, which reignited calls for Boluarte's removal. Following the vote, Congress leader José Jerí was sworn in as the interim president, highlighting the political instability that has gripped Peru in recent years, with Boluarte becoming the latest leader to be ousted. Boluarte, who came to power in December 2022 after her predecessor Pedro Castillo was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress, has faced multiple allegations ranging from bribery to a deadly crackdown on protests. Although she denied these allegations, her popularity plummeted, leading to approval ratings as low as 2-4%. This political crisis is part of a broader pattern in Peru, where no fewer than seven presidents have faced impeachment or criminal charges over corruption and human rights abuses since the early 2000s. The impeachment vote, which resulted in Boluarte's removal with 124 votes in favor, was expedited due to her absence from the congressional floor to defend herself. In her absence, legislators moved quickly to finalize the impeachment amid widespread frustration regarding her administration's handling of the escalating crime. From January to mid-August alone, official figures indicated there were over 6,041 homicides. Boluarte partially attributed the rise in crime to illegal immigration during previous administrations, further complicating the political narrative surrounding her presidency. The new interim president, José Jerí, is now tasked with restoring public confidence in the government, as the country plans to hold elections next April. Boluarte's administration faced more than 500 protests in the initial months of her presidency, and with the current increase in crime and disillusionment with political leaders, the situation remains tense in Peru. Boluarte's removal raises significant questions about the impact of political instability on governance and law enforcement in a country struggling to contend with violence and crime.