Peru’s Congress Launches Dramatic Impeachment Battle Against President Boluarte: NPR

LIMA, Peru – In a decisive move late Thursday, Peru’s Congress voted to commence impeachment proceedings against President Dina Boluarte, following a violent shooting at a concert in Lima that intensified public outrage over the nation’s escalating crime rates.

Legislators approved four separate motions calling for Boluarte’s removal, citing her administration’s failure to effectively combat crime. Each motion surpassed the required threshold of 56 votes in the 130-seat unicameral Congress, paving the way for a formal debate and trial. Shortly before midnight, Congress summoned President Boluarte to present her defense.

Unlike previous unsuccessful attempts to oust her, this time nearly all political factions in the legislature backed the impeachment initiatives.

To successfully remove Boluarte from office, a supermajority of 87 votes will be necessary. She assumed the presidency in December 2022 after her predecessor was impeached through the same parliamentary process.

The Boluarte administration has faced mounting criticism for its inadequate response to surging violent crime, particularly homicides and extortion. During a recent military event, the president partially attributed the crime wave to undocumented immigrants residing in Peru.

“This criminal activity has been festering for years and has been exacerbated by illegal immigration, which previous governments failed to control,” Boluarte stated. “Instead of securing our borders, they left them open, allowing criminals to infiltrate without restrictions.”

Official statistics reveal that from January to mid-August, Peru recorded 6,041 homicides-the highest toll for this period since 2017. Additionally, extortion reports surged by 28% compared to the same timeframe last year, reaching 15,989 complaints between January and July.

The current political turmoil intensified after a gunman opened fire during a concert featuring Agua Marina, one of Peru’s most beloved cumbia bands, injuring five attendees on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Eduardo Arana appeared before Congress on Thursday to defend President Boluarte amid a session focused on the crime crisis. Despite his efforts, lawmakers remained resolute in advancing the impeachment motions.

“The concerns raised by Parliament cannot be resolved simply by dismissing an impeachment request, nor by approving it,” Arana told the assembly. “We are not clinging to power; we understood from the outset that our tenure could be brief.”