Peruvian President Dodges Impeachment Amid 'Rolexgate' Controversy

In a significant move, a congressional committee in Peru shields President Dina Boluarte from impeachment related to the 'Rolexgate' scandal, although long-term legal implications remain.

In a recent development, a congressional subcommittee in Peru has decided to dismiss an investigation into President Dina Boluarte concerning allegations that she accepted Rolex watches as bribes. This ruling provides Boluarte, whose popularity has plummeted to single-digit approval ratings, with a reprieve from any immediate impeachment proceedings during her presidency.

However, the president may still confront legal challenges after her term concludes next year, as she will then lose her immunity from prosecution. The investigation, widely referred to as "Rolexgate," has placed Boluarte's administration under scrutiny since police raided her residence in March 2024, searching for more than a dozen luxury watches that she allegedly failed to declare.

The controversy surfaced following media reports highlighting the opulent timepieces she donned at various public appearances, raising suspicions about their origin. The raid was conducted after prosecutors denied her request for additional time to respond to a subpoena seeking proof of purchase for the watches. In addition, police also searched the government palace as part of the investigation.

Boluarte's government condemned the police raid, labeling it as "disproportionate and unconstitutional." Throughout the scandal, the president has maintained that she entered office "with clean hands" and intends to leave in the same manner, claiming that her Rolex was an old watch she acquired from years of hard work starting at age 18.

In addition to the Rolexgate investigation, Boluarte is dealing with another inquiry concerning her unexplained two-week absence in 2023 for a nose surgery, during which she failed to delegate her powers to anyone else.

Boluarte ascended to the presidency following the impeachment of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, who attempted to dissolve Congress and govern by decree. His ousting triggered violent protests that resulted in numerous fatalities, with demonstrators calling for Boluarte's resignation.

Peru's next presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for April 2026, where the public will have an opportunity to decide the future of the nation’s leadership.