Peru finds itself embroiled in yet another political crisis as President Dina Boluarte faces mounting pressure to step down amidst allegations surrounding her possession of luxury Rolex watches without a clear explanation of their origin. Boluarte, who assumed office in 2022 amid a turbulent period of protests and government crackdowns, now faces renewed scrutiny over the scandal that has gripped the nation.
The controversy came to light following an investigation by the popular political YouTube show “La Encerrona,” which uncovered evidence suggesting Boluarte owns several Rolex watches valued between $14,000 and $25,000. In response, Peru’s prosecutor’s office initiated “preliminary proceedings” against Boluarte for alleged illicit enrichment and failure to disclose ownership of the expensive timepieces.
The situation escalated over the Easter weekend when dozens of police and prosecutors conducted a raid on Boluarte’s residence, yielding “elements of interest” for the ongoing investigation. Among the findings were documents detailing the purchase of a Rolex Datejust 36 model, raising further questions about Boluarte’s financial disclosures given her official salary of approximately $4,200.
Despite Boluarte’s denouncement of the raid as “abusive,” calls for her resignation have intensified, with opposition legislators moving to initiate impeachment proceedings on grounds of “permanent moral incapacity.” However, the path to impeachment remains fraught, requiring a significant majority in Congress, where right-wing legislators currently hold sway.
The fallout from the scandal has already claimed casualties within Boluarte’s administration, with eight ministers resigning in protest. Furthermore, the fate of Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen hangs in the balance as Congress prepares to vote on his confirmation, potentially triggering a cascade of resignations should he fail to garner support.
The turmoil gripping Peru is not an isolated incident but reflects the country’s longstanding political volatility. Past presidents, including Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Martin Vizcarra, have faced impeachment and corruption charges, underscoring the pervasive nature of political scandals in Peruvian governance.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from yet another leadership crisis, the future of President Boluarte remains uncertain, with the specter of impeachment looming large amidst a landscape rife with political polarization and institutional instability.
