LIMA, Peru: Peru’s Congress on Thursday rejected two motions filed by leftist opposition lawmakers to impeach President Dina Boluarte amid a scandal surrounding her luxury Rolex and jewelry collection.
The 61-year-old leader has been in the spotlight for suspected illicit enrichment and failure to declare jewelry, including a luxury watch and a $56,000 Cartier bracelet.
Peru’s Congress has excessive powers to remove the president, often causing political turmoil, and Boluarte faced four impeachment charges since taking office in 2022.
Each of his impeachment motions needed 48 votes to proceed, but none passed in Congress, which is dominated by right-wing pro- Boluarte parties.
On Wednesday, Boluarte government won its third cabinet vote of confidence in 16 months.
Dina Boluarte took power in December 2022 after his predecessor, Pedro Castillo, attempted to dissolve parliament and rule by decree, leading to his arrest and impeachment.
Violent demonstrations followed, demanding Boluarte’s resignation and new elections.
He is also facing a constitutional complaint for his suppression of protests that left more than 50 people dead.
Boluarte’s approval rating is around 10%.
In Peru, impeachment requires only 87 votes out of 130, which can be done under a vague “moral incapacity ” clause that does not require the legislator to prove legal wrongdoing.
