In a surprising turn of events, the congressional committee in Peru has cleared President Dina Boluarte of allegations connected to the 'Rolexgate' scandal, where she was accused of accepting luxury watches as bribes. This decision provides her with a reprieve from impeachment, despite suffering from approval ratings that have plummeted into single digits.
The scandal, which resulted in a police raid of Boluarte's residence in March 2024, arose from suspicions about numerous luxury watches she allegedly failed to declare. The inquiry was ignited after it was noticed that she donned extravagant watches during public appearances. The raid followed the refusal of prosecutors to grant Boluarte additional time to comply with a subpoena challenging her to present proof of purchase for the watches.
The government condemned the raid as "disproportionate and unconstitutional," while Boluarte maintained her innocence, asserting she entered office with "clean hands." She mentioned that the Rolex was merely an old item she purchased from her earnings starting at age 18.
On top of the Rolex scandal, Boluarte faces a separate investigation related to a mysterious two-week absence for nose surgery in 2023, during which she did not delegate her powers. Boluarte assumed the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress. This event generated violent protests resulting in numerous fatalities, with many calling for Boluarte's resignation.
The next presidential and legislative elections in Peru are scheduled for April 2026, leaving many to speculate on Boluarte's future as controversies continue to swirl around her administration.
