Peru Congress shoots down two motions to impeach President Boluarte
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Each impeachment motion requires 48 votes to go through for a debate, but both fell short in the Congress, which consists of the majority supporting Boluarte.
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Peru's President Dina Boluarte talks to the press at the end of the Amazon Summit in Belem, Brazil, August 8, 2023. (AP)
Following the scandal of undisclosed luxury items, two motions filed by the opposition to impeach President Dina Boluarte were denied by Peru’s Congress on Thursday.
This marks Boluarte’s third and fourth impeachment attempts since taking office in 2022. Each impeachment motion required 48 votes to go through for a debate, but both fell short in the Congress, which consists of the majority supporting Boluarte.
Just two days ago, her government won a vote of confidence for its third cabinet in just 16 months, but her current approval rating stands at only 10%.
In Peru, 87 votes out of 130 lawmakers are required for impeachment, and votes can be done on a vague "moral incapacity" provision that does not require proof of legal wrongdoing.
This comes as Boluarte is under investigation for suspected illegal wealth and failing to declare her luxury items, including Rolex watches and a $56,000 Cartier bracelet.
Read more: Six Peruvian ministers resign amid 'Rolexgate' probe against Boluarte
Last week, her home was raided by police as part of the corruption investigation into what is being dubbed the “Rolexgate” scandal.
The surprise raid was requested by the public prosecutor and authorized by the Supreme Court of Preparatory Investigation, which came after Boluarte's request for more time to answer a subpoena was denied. The subpoena demanded her to show proof that she purchased the watches.
If Boluarte is indicted, she will not face a trial until her term ends in July 2026 unless she is impeached, according to the Constitution.
Peru has been embroiled in a political crisis with near-daily demonstrations since December 7 last year, when then-president Pedro Castillo was arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree and his then-Vice President Boluarte took over.
Since the start of the protests, over 50 people have been killed during clashes with the police. The opposition held Boluarte responsible for these deaths. She is also being investigated for money laundering and suspicious finances for her campaign during the 2021 elections that brought Castillo to power, but she denies the accusations.
