With an approval rating of only two percent, Peru’s President Dina Boluarte faces intense scrutiny and numerous scandals. She managed to take power after her predecessor was impeached, but public discontent remains rampant. Analysts predict she may stay in office until the end of her term next year, primarily due to political maneuvering within Congress and the relatively stable economy. Protests against her indicate widespread dissatisfaction, even as a change in leadership seems unlikely.
Peru’s President Dina Boluarte is facing an uphill battle, as her approval rating has plummeted to just two percent, making her one of the least popular leaders globally. Despite this, she has managed to remain in office amid numerous scandals, protests, and ongoing investigations against her administration since taking power 29 months ago. These events were largely triggered by her controversial rise to office following the impeachment of former President Pedro Castillo.
Boluarte’s presidency has been marred by scandals, including accusations of police brutality that led to the deaths of 50 protesters, and allegations concerning her undisclosed acceptance of luxury gifts, leading to the conundrum dubbed “Rolexgate.” Furthermore, she faced criticism for a temporary absence concerning a health-related surgery, which she termed necessary but others speculated was not.
Analysts suggest that voter apathy and political maneuvering may actually help Boluarte cling to her position until her term concludes in July next year. “In Peru, there exists a political paradox: Boluarte is the weakest president of the last decade, but her weakness is also her strength,” stated political analyst Augusto Alvarez.
Boluarte ascended to power after her previous boss, Castillo, was ousted, and she chose not to call for new elections. Instead, she decided to govern while lacking her own political party in Congress. However, she has found support from Peru’s dominant conservative factions, allowing her to maintain her grip on power.
This month, her approval ratings hit an all-time low of two percent, a steep fall from the 21 percent mark she had when she took office in December 2022. Ipsos Peru president, Alfredo Torres, remarked that the current disapproval rating might even set a staggering world record for sustained unpopularity among heads of state.
Boluarte’s survival could partly be attributed to the lack of a viable alternative candidate and her perceived political frailty, which Congress seems to be exploiting. Lawmakers might prefer to keep her in office to push through policies that serve their interests without facing the public backlash of a more popular leader.
Despite social unrest, Peru’s economy is reportedly robust, with GDP growth of 3.3 percent last year and an expected 3.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025. This economic performance, spurred in part by rising copper prices, has further contributed to Boluarte’s unexpected resilience in her role.
Yet on the streets of Lima, public sentiment is largely negative. Many Peruvians are frustrated with her inability to mitigate escalating gang violence and related societal challenges. “She has no empathy; she is an incapable president,” lamented a local teacher, venting his frustrations at one of the many protests against Boluarte. The cries of “Dina, Asesina!” reflect the discontent simmering among the populace.
Despite her unpopularity, analysts think a popular uprising is unlikely. Peruvians appear disillusioned with the alternative of Congress, which carries its own tarnished image. At the same time, Boluarte lacks a compelling contender to pressure her out of the presidency, leaving her precarious situation intact — for now.
In summary, Dina Boluarte’s presidency grapples with staggering unpopularity as protests and disclosures pile up. Her low approval, undoubtedly the result of various scandals, finds her clinging to power amid a politically fragmented Congress. While the economy’s performance offers her a glimmer of hope, public sentiments signal deep distress over governance and safety issues. For now, Boluarte’s unlikely hold on the presidency continues, driven perhaps not by strong support but rather by a lack of viable alternatives.
Original Source: www.france24.com
