Trending 
Lawmakers in Peru voted on Friday to oust President Dina Boluarte, whose administration has been marked by widespread protests and accusations of her inability to combat crime effectively.
Boluarte declined to attend an overnight congressional hearing after a majority of lawmakers, including some who previously supported her, decided to begin impeachment proceedings against her.
She was called to appear before Congress at 11:30 pm (0430 GMT Friday), but she chose to skip the session, which concluded with 118 legislators supporting her impeachment.
“The president’s impeachment has been approved,” announced Congress leader Jose Jeri, who could take over as interim president until elections in April 2026.
Protests, multiple scandals, investigations, and a rise in gang violence have marred Boluarte’s presidency. She has previously withstood several attempts to remove her from power.
The most recent move claimed that she has a “permanent moral incapacity” to fulfil her responsibilities since taking office in December 2022.
Over the past nine years, Peru has experienced leadership changes with six different presidents.
Boluarte assumed the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached due to a response to protests that resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals, leading to a significant decline in her approval ratings.
She is currently facing several investigations, one of which pertains to her alleged failure to report gifts of expensive jewellery and watches, a controversy known as “Rolexgate.”
Additionally, she approved a substantial pay raise for herself in July.
In recent weeks, anti-government protests have surged following the government’s enactment of a law on September 5 that mandates young people to contribute to private pension funds, despite high job insecurity and an unofficial unemployment rate exceeding 70 per cent.
Protests have intensified over the last six months in response to increasing extortion and murder incidents linked to organised crime groups.
