In a dramatic pre-dawn vote that has sent shockwaves across Latin America, Peru’s Congress has ousted President Dina Boluarte, marking the end of a tumultuous presidency defined by soaring crime rates and deep political rot. Once a little-known vice president, Boluarte’s rise to power was followed by a historic collapse in public trust, culminating in her removal on October 10, 2025 .
Why Peru Said Enough: The Crime Wave That Broke the Camel’s Back
For months, Peruvians have taken to the streets, their fear and frustration boiling over. The final straw? A brazen armed attack at a popular cumbia concert that left citizens feeling utterly unprotected . This wasn’t an isolated incident but a symptom of a nationwide crisis. Homicide rates have climbed to their highest levels in a decade, with extortion and gang violence spreading from urban centers to rural communities.
The Unpopular Presidency of Dina Boluarte
Boluarte’s tenure, which began after the controversial removal of her predecessor Pedro Castillo, was immediately marred by accusations of authoritarianism and a brutal crackdown on protests that left dozens dead. Her approval ratings plummeted to single digits, making her the country’s most unpopular leader in recent memory . The public’s anger was not just about crime; it was about a pervasive sense of government failure and corruption that seemed to paralyze the state.
A Nation at a Crossroads
With Boluarte removed, Peru now faces a critical juncture. The country’s political system has been in a state of near-permanent crisis for years, with six presidents in less than a decade. The immediate question on everyone’s mind is who will lead the nation through this period of intense instability and restore a sense of security for its citizens.
What Happens Next?
According to Peru’s constitution, the head of Congress, currently a member of a rival political faction, is next in the line of succession. This transition is fraught with uncertainty, as the new leader will inherit a nation demanding immediate action on security and a complete overhaul of a political class seen as self-serving and out of touch.
The eyes of the world are now on Lima. Can Peru’s new leadership break the cycle of crisis and deliver the peace and stability its people so desperately crave?
