In a historic vote late Thursday, the Peruvian Congress decided to remove President Dina Boluarte from her position, citing "permanent moral incapacity." The overwhelming decision passed by a vote of 122 members in favor, following intensive impeachment proceedings that highlighted allegations of corruption and misuse of power, particularly in the treatment of protestors.

José Jerí, previously the head of the Congress's Board of Directors, has been sworn in as her replacement. This dramatic shift in leadership comes after Boluarte faced severe criticism and plummeting approval ratings, with recent polls indicating a mere 2-4% support from the public.

The impeachment was propelled by accusations that encompassed both bribery and severe human rights violations. Boluarte's administration had been under the microscope for a controversial crackdown on protests in 2022, which resulted in numerous fatalities and drew international condemnation. Furthermore, her decision to double her salary amid national unrest in July only fueled the fire of public dissent.

These actions, coupled with the passage of a law granting amnesty to police and military accused of human rights abuses—a move denounced by both the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and various human rights experts—painted a stark picture of a leadership out of sync with democratic and ethical governance.

The constitutional tool used to remove Boluarte, Article 113, specifies that the presidency can be declared vacant due to "permanent moral or physical incapacity." This clause has been a pivotal yet controversial element in Peru's political landscape, often facilitating the ouster of unpopular leaders.

Just days before her removal, international scrutiny intensified as a Peruvian Indigenous community leader called for a state of emergency to address the rampant illegal mining affecting indigenous lands, highlighting the broader context of unrest and governance challenges in Peru.

As José Jerí steps into the presidency, Peru stands at a critical juncture, facing both a crisis of governance and a disillusioned populace. The international community, along with the citizens of Peru, watches closely, hoping for a return to stability and adherence to democratic principles in the wake of this significant political upheaval.