President Dina Boluarte of Peru has avoided impeachment as a congressional committee dismisses allegations surrounding her acceptance of Rolex watches as bribes, although future legal troubles may loom post-presidency.
Peru's President Dina Boluarte Cleared of Impeachment Amid Rolex Scandal
Peru's President Dina Boluarte Cleared of Impeachment Amid Rolex Scandal
Congressional committee dismisses 'Rolexgate' investigation, insulating Boluarte from impeachment but leaving future charges possible.
Article text:
In a significant political development, President Dina Boluarte of Peru has been cleared of immediate impeachment threats as a congressional committee opted to dismiss an investigation linked to the so-called 'Rolexgate' scandal. The ruling from the subcommittee underscores Boluarte's current protection from impeachment proceedings, despite her sinking approval ratings, which have fallen to single digits.
The inquiry, which centers on claims that she accepted luxury Rolex watches as bribes, saw Boluarte's home raided by police in March 2024, as investigators searched for over a dozen opulent timepieces that she failed to declare. This investigation gained momentum following media reports highlighting the extravagant watches she displayed during public appearances.
The raid was conducted after prosecutors denied her plea for an extension to respond to a subpoena that required her to present proof of purchase for the luxury items in question. Peru's government condemned the search operations, describing them as "disproportionate and unconstitutional."
Boluarte has staunchly asserted that she came into power “with clean hands” and intends to leave office in the same manner. She contends that her Rolex was simply an old item she bought from earnings accrued through years of hard work. Notably, she faces an additional investigation regarding an unannounced absence due to undergoing nose surgery in 2023, during which she neglected to delegate presidential responsibilities.
Boluarte assumed the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was ousted through impeachment for attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. His removal sparked violent protests, leading to numerous fatalities among demonstrators demanding Boluarte's resignation. The next presidential and legislative elections are slated for April 2026, as Peru continues to grapple with political turmoil.
In a significant political development, President Dina Boluarte of Peru has been cleared of immediate impeachment threats as a congressional committee opted to dismiss an investigation linked to the so-called 'Rolexgate' scandal. The ruling from the subcommittee underscores Boluarte's current protection from impeachment proceedings, despite her sinking approval ratings, which have fallen to single digits.
The inquiry, which centers on claims that she accepted luxury Rolex watches as bribes, saw Boluarte's home raided by police in March 2024, as investigators searched for over a dozen opulent timepieces that she failed to declare. This investigation gained momentum following media reports highlighting the extravagant watches she displayed during public appearances.
The raid was conducted after prosecutors denied her plea for an extension to respond to a subpoena that required her to present proof of purchase for the luxury items in question. Peru's government condemned the search operations, describing them as "disproportionate and unconstitutional."
Boluarte has staunchly asserted that she came into power “with clean hands” and intends to leave office in the same manner. She contends that her Rolex was simply an old item she bought from earnings accrued through years of hard work. Notably, she faces an additional investigation regarding an unannounced absence due to undergoing nose surgery in 2023, during which she neglected to delegate presidential responsibilities.
Boluarte assumed the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was ousted through impeachment for attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. His removal sparked violent protests, leading to numerous fatalities among demonstrators demanding Boluarte's resignation. The next presidential and legislative elections are slated for April 2026, as Peru continues to grapple with political turmoil.
