Peru Ousts Boluarte; José Jeri Takes Office to Tackle Crime
Introduction
Peru's Congress has removed President Dina Boluarte in a dramatic move, following a crime wave that has gripped the nation. This decision reflects the deep dissatisfaction with Boluarte's leadership, which has been marred by instability and public discontent.
Key Details
The impeachment process was swift, culminating in Boluarte's removal from office. This action highlights the political turmoil that Peru has faced in recent years, with Boluarte being the latest in a series of leaders to face such a fate. The country's lawmakers have now appointed José Jeri as the new president, who has vowed to tackle the escalating crime by declaring a "war on crime."
Impact
The removal of Boluarte and the appointment of Jeri signal a significant shift in Peru's political landscape. While Jeri's commitment to addressing crime is welcomed, the public remains skeptical about the new leadership's ability to deliver meaningful change. The challenge ahead lies in restoring public trust and effectively combating the crime wave.
About the People Mentioned
Dina Boluarte
**Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra**, born May 31, 1962, in Chalhuanca, Apurímac, Peru, is a lawyer and politician who served as Peru's first female president from December 7, 2022, to October 10, 2025.[1][2][3] Elected in 2021 as the running mate of Pedro Castillo on the Free Peru Party ticket, she assumed roles as vice president and Minister of Development and Social Inclusion following his victory.[3][5] Boluarte's presidency began abruptly after Congress removed Castillo from office for attempting a self-coup by dissolving Congress, leading to his arrest.[1][2][4] Sworn in on December 7, 2022, she called for national unity, a political truce, and anti-corruption efforts while seeking support from centrist and right-wing parliamentary groups.[1][3] Her term, originally set to end in July 2026, faced immediate challenges including widespread protests, political polarization, rising crime, and gang violence.[2][3][6] Her administration survived eight impeachment attempts amid low approval ratings in single digits and controversies, such as a decree doubling her salary.[2][3] Critics highlighted over 50 protester deaths during her tenure and accusations of democratic backsliding, including anti-NGO legislation and executive power consolidation with Congress.[6] Ongoing corruption probes targeted her and allies, including raids on her home.[6] On October 10, 2025, Congress impeached and removed Boluarte in a unanimous 122-0 vote for "permanent moral incapacity," marking her as Peru's sixth president in under five years.[1][2][3] Congress President José Jerí succeeded her.[2] Prior to national office, Boluarte ran unsuccessfully for local and congressional seats in 2018 and 2020.[3] Her tenure underscored Peru's institutional instability.[1][4] (298 words)
About the Organizations Mentioned
Peru's Congress
Peru’s Congress, officially known as the Congress of the Republic, is the country’s legislative body and a central institution in its presidential system. Historically, Peru operated under a bicameral legislature until 1993, when President Alberto Fujimori’s reforms established a unicameral system. In March 2024, Congress voted to revert to a bicameral structure, marking a significant institutional shift. The new system will feature a Chamber of Deputies (at least 130 members) and a Senate (at least 60 members), both elected for five-year terms with immediate re-election permitted. The first elections under this new structure are scheduled for April 2026. Congress is responsible for drafting, debating, and passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch. The Senate will have specific powers, including appointing key officials such as the presidents of the Central Reserve Bank and the Court of Auditors, and providing final approval on legislation. The bicameral reform aims to enhance legislative scrutiny and balance, though it comes amid ongoing concerns about political stability and institutional integrity. Peru’s Congress has been a focal point of political turbulence, with frequent conflicts between the executive and legislative branches, leading to the impeachment or resignation of several presidents since 2016. The institution has also faced criticism for undermining judicial independence and weakening democratic norms, with a significant number of its members under investigation for corruption. Despite these challenges, Congress remains a powerful actor in shaping Peru’s political and economic landscape. For business and technology stakeholders, Congress’s decisions on regulatory frameworks, investment policies, and digital governance are crucial. The bicameral reform could potentially lead to more thorough legislative review, but its impact will depend on the ability of lawmakers to foster transparency and accountability in a context of deep-seated political instability.
