A congressional committee has dismissed impeachment proceedings against President Dina Boluarte, entangled in the Rolexgate scandal involving unreported luxury watches. Despite her immediate reprieve, the president could still confront legal challenges after leaving office.
Peruvian President Cleared from Impeachment Investigation Amid Rolex Scandal
Peruvian President Cleared from Impeachment Investigation Amid Rolex Scandal
President Dina Boluarte avoids impeachment, but faces ongoing scrutiny over alleged luxury watch bribes.
In a significant turn of events, the congressional committee in Peru has decided to drop its investigation into President Dina Boluarte regarding the 'Rolexgate' scandal, in which she faced accusations of accepting luxury watches as bribes. This decision by the subcommittee effectively shields her from impeachment proceedings while she remains in power, even though her approval ratings languish in single digits.
The Rolexgate inquiry began following reports that Boluarte had worn unreported luxury watches at public appearances, prompting police to raid her residence in March 2024. During the raid, authorities sought over a dozen high-value timepieces that Boluarte failed to declare on her financial disclosures. This search was launched after the president's request for an extension to respond to a subpoena regarding proof of purchase was rejected by prosecutors.
Boluarte’s administration criticized the raid as "disproportionate and unconstitutional," while the president maintains her innocence, claiming that her Rolex is an older item acquired from years of labor. She vowed to depart the presidency "with clean hands," asserting the legitimacy of her finances and ethical conduct.
Additionally, Boluarte is under investigation for an unannounced two-week absence in 2023 for nose surgery, during which she neglected to delegate her responsibilities. This followed her ascension to the presidency from her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, who was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress.
The ongoing political turmoil in Peru, underscored by widespread protests that erupted after Castillo’s ousting—resulting in numerous fatalities—remains a looming backdrop. Upcoming presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for April 2026, as Boluarte’s political future hangs in a precarious balance.
