LIMA (Reuters) -A bloc of opposition lawmakers in Peru on Thursday presented a fresh motion to remove President Dina Boluarte – one of the world’s most unpopular leaders – from office.
The proposal is the latest of a series of such motions – so far unsuccessful – and comes as the South American nation prepares for elections next April.
The motion, which seeks to remove Boluarte for “permanent moral incapacity,” was signed by at least 34 lawmakers from various parties.
At least 52 must approve it in an upcoming plenary session of Congress before it can be debated in a separate session, which will decide whether or not it can proceed.
Boluarte came to power in December 2022 as her predecessor President Pedro Castillo, who she had served as vice-president, was ousted and arrested after he attempted to dissolve Congress.
Castillo’s removal was met with months of widespread, deadly protests particularly in rural Andean and Indigenous communities, and rights groups have accused Boluarte’s government of using excessive force to repress the protests.
She also became embroiled in allegations of illicit enrichment involving undeclared assets and Rolex watches. In July, she decided to double her salary.
Her approval rates are hovering between 2% and 4%.
Peru’s conservative-dominated Congress has so far rejected motions to begin a process to remove her from office, but with half a year to go before the elections, more lawmakers have expressed support for the motion.
Peru has had six presidents since 2018 and four former leaders are currently behind bars.
(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Kylie Madry)
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