Peru’s political scene faced new turmoil on Monday as Attorney General Juan Carlos Villena accused President Dina Boluarte of accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches, intensifying the corruption scandal enveloping her administration.
Villena claimed that Boluarte received these luxury items from a regional governor, framing it as a bribery case. His office announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that a constitutional complaint had been filed against Boluarte, suspecting her of passive corruption.
The scandal initially broke in March when authorities discovered an undeclared collection of Rolex watches and jewelry in the president’s possession. Boluarte defended herself, stating last month that the watches were loans from a friend, Ayacucho’s regional governor, Wilfredo Oscorima. However, she remains under investigation for potentially receiving improper benefits from public officials.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, they do not lead to an immediate indictment due to the president’s immunity while in office. Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen dismissed the allegations as unjust persecution, criticizing the process as unconstitutional and illegal.
A congressional committee is now tasked with reviewing the accusation before it can be debated in the full chamber. Ultimately, any decision to put Boluarte on trial would rest with the courts after her term ends in July 2026.
Boluarte, who assumed office in December 2022 following the impeachment of her predecessor Pedro Castillo, faces an approval rating of just 12 percent, according to an Ipsos poll. Lacking a political party of her own in Congress, she relies on conservative support.
Peru’s political instability remains a pressing issue, with six presidents serving in the past eight years. Adding to Boluarte’s troubles, she is also under investigation for alleged genocide, homicide, and serious injuries related to the deaths of over 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations calling for her resignation and new elections in 2023.
