Peru’s Congress Leader José Jerry Sworn in as President Following Removal of Dina Boluarte

Lima (The Uttam Hindu): José Jerry, the Congress leader in Peru, was sworn in as the country’s new president after the removal of former President Dina Boluarte by the Parliament.

On Thursday night, Peruvian lawmakers had demanded Boluarte’s presence in Congress to defend herself before voting on the impeachment motion. However, Boluarte did not attend the session. According to Xinhua News Agency, Congress passed the impeachment motion against her on Friday.

The 38-year-old Jerry took the oath of office shortly after midnight and pledged to serve the nation until July 26, 2026.

In a brief televised address, Jerry stated that he assumed office following the constitutional process, as no vice president was available to succeed Boluarte. He emphasized immediate action against rising crime, which he described as “today’s biggest enemy for Peruvians.” Jerry said, “These criminal organizations are our enemies today,” and assured that the fight against crime would be supported by the national police and army.

He further promised transparent, fair, and legal elections in 2026 for the presidency, Parliament, and Senate. Jerry had been serving as the Speaker of the Congress since July 26.

Meanwhile, immediately following his removal, Dina Boluarte addressed the nation from the Presidential Palace. She remarked that the same Parliament that had sworn her in at the end of 2022 was now removing her, potentially affecting the country’s democratic stability. Boluarte said, “I have always appealed for unity.”

Boluarte, 63 years old, was widely unpopular, with approval ratings between 2–4%. She faced allegations of misuse of office, which she has consistently denied.