Peru's Congress Removes President Boluarte as Crime Wave Grips the Country
LIMA, Peru - In a dramatic late-night session, Peru's Congress voted to remove President Dina Ercilia Boluarte from office on October 6, citing her government's inability to stem a rising tide of crime that has plagued the South American nation. The move came just hours after a shooting at a concert in the capital inflamed public anger over the issue.
The vote was held after lawmakers accepted four requests for impeachment, with 124 members voting in favor of removing Boluarte from office. There were no votes against the effort. According to Congress officials, the decision was made due to Boluarte's failure to address the country's growing crime problem, which has seen a surge in violent incidents and kidnappings.
"We have lost confidence in President Boluarte's ability to lead our country," said Luis Galarreta, leader of the opposition party Fuerza Popular. "The people demand action, not words."
Boluarte had been summoned to appear before Congress to defend herself against the impeachment charges but failed to show up, prompting lawmakers to proceed with the vote.
The removal of Boluarte marks a significant shift in Peru's politics, which has been marred by controversy and instability since her ascension to power following the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo in December 2022. Castillo was impeached and arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress and take control of the government.
Peru's crime problem has worsened under Boluarte's administration, with a recent surge in kidnappings and violent incidents sparking widespread outrage among citizens. The country's capital, Lima, has been particularly affected, with many residents calling for greater security measures to be implemented.
The removal of Boluarte is expected to lead to a period of transition, with the Congress set to elect a new president within the next few days. According to Article 135 of Peru's Constitution, the President of Congress will assume the role of interim president until a new leader can be elected.
As the country navigates this uncertain period, many are left wondering what the future holds for Peru and its people. "This is a critical moment in our nation's history," said Maria Huerta, a Peruvian citizen. "We hope that our new leaders will bring about change and restore stability to our country."
The situation in Peru remains fluid, with ongoing protests and demonstrations expected in the coming days. As the country looks to the future, one thing is clear: the removal of Boluarte marks a significant turning point in Peru's politics, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
In related news, the Peruvian government has announced plans to deploy additional security forces to major cities across the country in an effort to combat rising crime rates. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to address the nation's security concerns and restore public confidence in the government.
The impeachment process is expected to continue in the coming days, with lawmakers set to debate and vote on a new president within the next few weeks. As the situation unfolds, one thing remains certain: Peru's future hangs in the balance, and its people are eager for change.
*Reporting by Npr.*
