Peru's President Ousted by Lawmakers Amid Rising Crime, Interim Leader Pledges Tough Action

Peru's legislature has voted decisively to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, responding to widespread frustration over escalating crime rates and the government's inability to address public safety concerns. The congressional action marked a significant development in Peru's ongoing political turbulence, with the majority of lawmakers supporting her removal after repeated prior attempts had failed.

Shortly after midnight, the legislature convened and voted overwhelmingly to impeach Boluarte, citing her administration's failure to combat organized crime and ensure the safety of citizens. Lawmakers pointed to the recent surge in violent incidents, including a high-profile shooting at a public event in Lima, as evidence of the government's lack of effective response.

Congressional leader Jose Jeri was sworn in as the interim president following the impeachment vote. Jeri will serve as the nation's head of state until scheduled elections in April 2026. In his address to parliament, Jeri declared that his immediate priority would be to confront criminal organizations and restore public security, identifying rampant gang activity as the principal threat facing Peru at this time.

Boluarte, who assumed office in December 2022 after the impeachment of her predecessor, became Peru's first female president. Despite initial efforts to stabilize the political environment, her administration quickly faced mounting challenges related to law enforcement and the growing influence of criminal networks. Official statistics reveal that more than 6,000 people lost their lives between January and mid-August of the current year, marking the highest rate of violent deaths during this period since 2017. Additionally, incidents of extortion soared, with nearly 16,000 complaints filed between January and July, representing a substantial increase compared to the previous year.

The impeachment proceedings gained momentum following a widely reported shooting in Lima, which intensified public outcry over the government's inability to guarantee safety. Many citizens and civil society leaders have expressed alarm at the rising tide of homicides, robberies, and extortion, issues that have become central to political debate and policy-making.

According to government data, the recent uptick in criminal activity is attributed to the proliferation of organized gangs engaged in extortion, drug trafficking, and violent crime, particularly in urban centers such as Lima. The country's security forces have struggled to contain these threats, sparking criticism from various sectors of society and fueling demands for more aggressive government intervention.

Peru's political landscape has been marked by frequent leadership changes in recent years, with multiple presidents removed through impeachment or resignation amid crises. Boluarte's departure underscores persistent challenges in maintaining governmental stability and responding to urgent social issues. Observers note that public trust in institutions remains fragile, as the population seeks solutions to the twin challenges of crime and political uncertainty.

The new interim administration has pledged a comprehensive crackdown on criminal organizations, promising coordinated action between the police, judiciary, and local authorities. Plans include increased patrols, judicial reforms, and targeted operations against high-profile criminal groups. Lawmakers have also called for greater investment in law enforcement resources and community-based initiatives aimed at crime prevention.

As Peru prepares for the 2026 general elections, the interim government faces the immediate task of restoring order and public confidence. The coming months are expected to be critical, as authorities work to implement new security strategies and address the root causes of violence and instability.