In an overnight session, Peru’s Congress unanimously voted on October 10, 2025 to remove President Dina Boluarte from office on grounds of “moral incapacity,” and within an hour swore in Congress President José Jerí as the country’s interim president.
Boluarte’s removal goes to spotlight Peru’s recent political instability, making Jerí the nation’s seventh president since 2016. It comes amid widespread discontent over rising crime, weak approval ratings, and repeated attempts by opposition blocs to force her out — changes that could influence the lead-up to Peru’s April 2026 elections.
Lawmakers from across Peru’s political spectrum pushed motions late Thursday night demanding Boluarte be held to account. They cited her administration’s failure to rein in crime and accused her of ignoring congressional summonses.
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Congress scheduled a hearing for Boluarte to appear before lawmakers just before midnight. She did not show up, and Congress moved swiftly to approve removal proceedings. The vote was passed without any opposition.
A short time later, in a session held shortly after midnight, José Jerí took the presidential oath. The 38-year-old leader of the Somos Perú (We Are Peru) party addressed Congress while wearing the national sash. He pledged to wage a tough fight against crime, calling gangs “the main enemy … out there on the streets.”
“This crime has been brewing for decades and has been strengthened by illegal immigration …” Boluarte had recently defended her record by tying surging violence to immigration, though critics said she had failed to deliver a coherent security strategy.
Dina Boluarte, the first woman to hold the Peruvian presidency, assumed office in December 2022 after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was removed. Her tenure was filled with protests, allegations of corruption (notably the “Rolexgate” scandal), and historically low approval ratings — in recent polls hovering between 2% and 4%.
Peru has endured persistent turnover in its highest office: Jerí becomes the country’s seventh president since 2016.
Jerí has pledged to defend national sovereignty and to transfer power to the winner of the April 2026 elections. In the weeks ahead, political factions across Peru will likely jockey for influence, and public pressure over security, justice, and stability is expected to intensify.
