Peru’s Congress voted overwhelmingly on Friday to remove President Dina Boluarte from office after she refused to appear before lawmakers for a scheduled hearing.
A total of 118 out of 122 members backed her dismissal, citing widespread dissatisfaction with her leadership amid rising crime and ongoing public protests since she took office in December 2022.
Boluarte had faced mounting criticism for failing to curb violence and social unrest across the country. Lawmakers from various political factions had earlier submitted motions calling for her removal, leading to a late-night congressional session to decide her fate.
The move follows widespread public outrage over Boluarte’s decision in July to double her monthly salary to nearly $10,000. Many Peruvians condemned the pay rise, arguing that the funds should instead be used to fight poverty.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Boluarte’s salary increased from 15,600 soles (about $4,400) to 35,568 soles (roughly $10,067), a figure about 30 times higher than the national minimum wage.
The previous salary level had been in place since 2006, when former president Alan García cut it from 42,000 soles.
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