Peru's Boluarte ousted and Jerí sworn in as president

Marcelo Rochabrun, Bloomberg News on Oct 10, 2025

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Peru’s top lawmaker José Jerí was surprisingly sworn in as president early on Friday, following the ouster of his predecessor Dina Boluarte, who was one of the world’s most unpopular leaders.

Boluarte was ditched by former allies in congress who swiftly backed a motion to oust her over criticism that she was not doing enough to handle soaring crime. Lawmakers voted unanimously to approve an impeachment motion to remove her, far exceeding the two-thirds majority required.

She was replaced by Jerí, the head of congress, as the constitution dictates when there is no vice president. He is a conservative who would complete the term that ends in July 2026. A bill to remove Jerí from the top congressional position failed early on Friday, paving the way for his swearing-in.

Boluarte gave an address to the nation, acknowledging her removal and listing what she said were the achievements of her administration.

Boluarte’s successor will be the eighth person to lead Peru in the past decade. Three were impeached — including Boluarte — and two others resigned to avoid removal. Her ouster stunned Peruvians with its speed — impeachment motions were filed in the afternoon Thursday, voted on in the evening, and she was out of office soon after that.

The events were triggered by a shooting at a concert by a popular cumbia band. Days earlier, Boluarte angered many Peruvians by suggesting that striking bus drivers protesting organized crime could simply ignore calls from extortionists.

Crime has become one of the top concerns for Peruvians, as gangs target a growing number of businesses, from stores to schools to music bands to bus drivers.

But that was the final straw. As vice president, Boluarte became president in 2022 after socialist leader Pedro Castillo was impeached. Many on the left accused her of betrayal, while conservatives also rejected her, and her approval rating hovered around 3% just before she was removed from office.

Her popularity was also hit by a series of scandals and criminal investigations, including allegations of illegal enrichment, the alleged involvement of security forces in the violent death of protesters, and accusations of a cover-up for the removal of a police official who was investigating her.

April elections

Boluarte had faced several previous impeachment motions but easily survived them. The parties that once supported her turned against her, likely seeking to distance themselves from an unpopular administration before elections next April.

Lawmakers said during a Thursday session that Boluarte was plotting to seek asylum abroad, to avoid facing charges in Peru for the criminal investigations already underway. It is unclear what Boluarte will do now that her immunity as president will be lifted.

Peru is known for jailing more ex-presidents than virtually any other country. Currently, three former leaders are housed in a purpose-built facility which Boluarte’s administration formally designated as a presidential prison.