Peru swears in new president after congress ousts ex-leader Boluarte

Peru’s Congress has sworn in Jose Jeri as the country’s new president, following a late-night vote that ousted President Dina Boluarte on grounds of “moral incapacity.” 

Jeri, 38, a conservative lawmaker and president of Congress since July, took the oath of office shortly after midnight on October 10, less than an hour after lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Boluarte from power. He becomes one of the world’s youngest heads of state and Peru’s seventh president in just nine years, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In his first address as president, Jeri signaled a hardline stance on rising crime, a key concern that fueled dissatisfaction with his predecessor.

“The main enemy is out there on the streets: criminal gangs,” Jeri declared, wearing the presidential sash bearing the national colours. “We must declare war on crime.”

Late-night impeachment

The vote to remove Boluarte came swiftly, just hours after lawmakers from across the political spectrum filed new impeachment motions accusing her of "moral misconduct." Boluarte was summoned to appear before Congress but failed to show up, clearing the way for an expedited vote.

The impeachment marks a rare moment of unity in a deeply fragmented legislature, with even former allies from the right-wing Popular Renewal and Popular Force parties turning against Boluarte. Both parties are expected to field candidates in the April 2026 general election.

Tumultuous presidency

Boluarte, 63, leaves office deeply unpopular. Her approval ratings had plummeted to as low as 2%, according to recent polls, amid multiple scandals and a reputation for heavy-handed tactics during her tenure.

She had faced accusations of illicit enrichment, including failing to declare luxury items such as Rolex watches, and came under fire for doubling her presidential salary in July. She has denied any wrongdoing.

Her presidency was also marred by allegations of excessive force during the crackdown on protests following the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo, under whom she served as vice president. Those protests, concentrated in rural Andean and Indigenous communities, resulted in dozens of deaths and drew sharp criticism from human rights organisations.

Boluarte addressed the nation from the presidential palace shortly after her removal, acknowledging the gravity of the moment.

As rumors swirled that Boluarte might seek asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy in Lima, crowds gathered outside Congress and the embassy. Some celebrated the news, waving flags, playing music, and dancing late into the night.

By Sabina Mammadli