In a dramatic political upheaval, Peru's deeply unpopular President Dina Boluarte has been forcibly removed from office by the nation's constitutional court, marking a stunning fall from grace for a leader once described as the world's least popular.
A Nation in Turmoil
The court's landmark ruling comes as Peru battles an escalating crisis of gang violence that has overwhelmed security forces and terrified citizens. The decision follows months of political instability and widespread public discontent with Boluarte's administration.
Boluarte, who assumed power in 2022 following the controversial removal of her predecessor Pedro Castillo, saw her approval ratings plummet to unprecedented lows during her tumultuous tenure. Recent polls indicated that a staggering 90% of Peruvians disapproved of her leadership.
Gang Violence Reaches Breaking Point
The final straw appears to have been the government's inability to contain rampant gang activity that has turned parts of the country into virtual war zones. Security experts report that criminal organisations have expanded their influence dramatically under Boluarte's watch.
"The situation had become untenable," a senior judicial official revealed. "When gang violence begins threatening the fundamental stability of the state, the constitutional court had no choice but to intervene."
Constitutional Crisis Averted
The court's ruling represents an extraordinary use of constitutional powers rarely invoked in Peruvian history. Legal scholars are divided on the precedent this sets for future governance, though most agree the move was necessary to prevent complete institutional collapse.
Under the terms of the ruling, presidential powers have been temporarily transferred to the head of congress while emergency measures are implemented to restore order and prepare for transitional elections.
International Reaction
World leaders have been monitoring the situation closely, with many expressing cautious optimism about the potential for stabilisation. The United Nations has called for peaceful transition and respect for democratic processes.
Regional neighbours, particularly in Latin America, are watching with particular concern given Peru's strategic importance and the potential for similar political crises to emerge across the continent.
As Peru enters this uncertain new chapter, the immediate challenge remains restoring public confidence and dismantling the criminal networks that have flourished during years of political dysfunction.
