Peru’s first female president, Dina Boluarte, was removed from office late Thursday night after Congress voted overwhelmingly for her ouster.
The decision followed months of controversy and investigations into alleged corruption and human rights abuses.
Lawmakers across party lines voted to remove Boluarte for “permanent moral incapacity”, accusing her of failing to confront organized crime and undermining public trust.
The dramatic vote took place in Lima, marking another chapter in Peru’s long-running political turmoil.
According to reports, Boluarte who refused to attend the session denied all allegations, describing them as part of a “politically motivated attack.”
Following her removal, Congress President José Jerí Oré, aged 38, was sworn in as interim head of state.
Under the constitution, he must now organize new national elections to restore democratic order.
Boluarte’s downfall adds her to a growing list of Peruvian presidents forced from power in recent decades.
Since 2000, at least seven former leaders have been prosecuted or jailed over corruption and abuse of office, while one took his own life as police closed in.
Boluarte’s presidency has been shadowed by controversy since the start.
She assumed office in 2022, following the arrest and impeachment of former president Pedro Castillo, who tried to dissolve Congress and establish emergency rule.
Her administration faced massive protests in the aftermath, leading to a violent government crackdown that left more than 60 people dead.
Human rights organizations accused her of authorizing excessive use of force an allegation she continues to deny.
In addition, Boluarte is under investigation for allegedly accepting luxury gifts, including Rolex watches and jewelry, believed to be bribes.
She has also been accused of allowing a fugitive politician to use a presidential vehicle.
Boluarte’s ouster has sparked a wave of debate across Peru, with citizens divided between relief and outrage.
