Amidst growing allegations of corruption, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has evaded impeachment as a congressional committee dismissed a probe regarding her acceptance of Rolex watches as bribes. Although shielded from immediate repercussions, Boluarte may face legal challenges once she leaves office.
Peruvian President Escapes Impeachment Amid Rolex Scandal Controversy
Peruvian President Escapes Impeachment Amid Rolex Scandal Controversy
A congressional committee in Peru clears President Dina Boluarte in the "Rolexgate" investigation, avoiding impeachment while potential legal challenges loom.
A congressional committee in Peru has voted to dismiss the investigation against President Dina Boluarte regarding the so-called "Rolexgate" scandal, where she was accused of accepting luxury watches as bribes. The decision shields Boluarte, whose approval ratings have plummeted to single digits, from the looming threat of impeachment while she is still in office. Critics, however, warn that the president may still face legal challenges once her term concludes next year and she loses her presidential immunity.
The scandal erupted following reports highlighting the luxury watches Boluarte wore during official engagements, prompting authorities to raid her residence in March 2024 in search of over a dozen unreported items. The police's actions followed her inability to meet a subpoena requesting proof of purchase for the watches, leading to accusations of impropriety. The government labeled the police raid a "disproportionate and unconstitutional" response.
President Boluarte has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming she arrived in government "with clean hands" and intends to exit the same way. Boluarte argued that the Rolex in question was an older item purchased with her legitimate earnings from working since she was 18.
Aside from "Rolexgate," the president is also under scrutiny for a separate incident involving a two-week absence due to nose surgery, during which she failed to delegate authority, raising further concerns about her governance. Boluarte assumed the presidency following the impeachment of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, who was removed after attempting to dissolve Congress. His ousting triggered violent protests that resulted in multiple fatalities. The political landscape remains tenuous as Peru anticipates its next presidential and legislative elections scheduled for April 2026.
