Peru's Political Crisis: 5 Questions About the Impeachment of President Dina Boluarte

After weeks of protests and rising crime, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was ousted. But the political chaos doesn't end there. The new president, José Jeri, is himself accused of corruption, extortion, and sexual abuse. His appointment sparked a new wave of protests, leaving at least 100 injured and one dead. A state of emergency has also been in effect in the capital, Lima, since midnight on Wednesday, October 22nd. Nevertheless, civil society continues to fight courageously for a just Peru.  

What exactly is going on in Peru?

the recent unrest began after a series of government measures which, according to critics, further fuels corruption, organized crime, and impunity. Young Peruvians, in particular, took to the streets en masse when the government introduced a law requiring them to join private pension funds—a measure that primarily benefits the large corporations behind those funds.

As the protests grew, so did the repression and police brutality In Lima, protesters clashed with police who fired tear gas and rubber bullets into crowds. The protesters expressed their anger not only over the economic measures, but also over rising corruption and the growing power of organized crime. Police officers reacted very harshly, injuring dozens of people, including a journalist from Ojo Público—a partner of 11.11.11 — who reported on the protests.   

The situation escalated further after a shooting incident at a concert in Lima, where five people were injured when a gunman opened fire. Shortly afterward, Congress voted in favor of the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte due to "moral incompetence." This procedure has been used frequently in Peru. Critics argue that her impeachment is primarily a strategic move by Congress to reposition itself in the run-up to the April 2026 elections.

The new President, José Jeri, is a controversial figure. What has been the public reaction to his appointment?

José Jeri came to power through constitutional succession. He is already the eighth president since 2011 — a sign of the deep political instability in the country. Jeri faces multiple charges, including corruption, extortion, and sexual abuse.  

While many were relieved that Boluarte left, there is also furyAccording to human rights organizations, the change of power hardly constitutes a break with the corruption and crime that have gripped Peru for years. The national human rights umbrella organization CNDDHH, a partner of 11.11.11, strongly condemned Jeris's appointment and stressed that Peru needs leaders with integrity, not new figures who will perpetuate impunity.  

That attracted a new wave of protests out, with the youth in the lead. They demanded, among other things, the resignation of José Jeri and the congressmen. The protests were again brutally suppressed by the police, resulting in more than a hundred injuries. One protester, 32-year-old hip-hop singer Eduardo Ruíz, was shot dead.

What impact does this crisis have on the Peruvian population?

The rights of citizens in Peru are under severe pressure, especially for those who criticize the government. deterioration in human rights and democratic values ​​are clearly visible: violence against protesters and journalists undermines fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression and the right to organize.

According to Human Rights Watch, Congress itself is contributing to rising crime. By weakening the independence and effectiveness of judges and prosecutors, it has further opened the door to illegal activity. Illegal gold mining and cocaine production They provide work for an estimated one million Peruvians—a clear sign of how deeply organized crime is entrenched in the country. Extortion is now the most common crime: the number of reports rose from 2.396 in 2023 to more than 18.000 in the first eight months of 2025. The actual numbers are likely even higher.

President Jeri reinforces this climate of impunityAs a member of Congress, he voted for several laws that weaken democracy and severely restrict civic space—the freedom of citizens, organizations, journalists, and activists to organize, express their opinions, and protest peacefully. For example, he supported a bill that subjects critical NGOs to strict controls and harsh sanctions.

Also the controversial Amnesty Act received his support. The law grants clemency to military and police officers convicted of human rights violations during the violent internal conflict from 1980 to 2000. He also wants Peru to withdraw from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, a step that would further weaken the protection of fundamental rights.

Amidst so much turmoil, is there still hope within Peruvian civil society?

In this hostile context our partners continue to courageously resistPeruvian civil society organizations demand the immediate repeal of laws that foster crime and impunity. They advocate for a government free from corruption and organized crime, one that restores the rule of law and protects human rights. Excessive police violence must end, and independent institutions must be able to function free from political pressure.

Why should Belgium care about the situation in Peru?

The events in Peru are not isolated. For Belgium, they show how the democratic rule of law is deteriorating worldwideIn a growing number of countries, activists, victims, and human rights organizations are being attacked. Governments are making it more difficult to obtain justice, punishing those who show solidarity, and undermining international rules.

Partners of 11.11.11, such as CNDDHH and Ojo Público, play a crucial role in documenting human rights violations and exposing corruption. When their work is threatened or suppressed, it weakens not only Peruvian democracy but also the broader struggle for transparency and justice. 11.11.11 supports their efforts to draw international attention to the dangers of impunity and to urge policymakers to take action for a democratic and just Peru.