LIMA, Peru: Peru’s beleaguered government will ask Congress on Wednesday for a vote of confidence amid a scandal over how the president acquired a collection of expensive Rolex watches and jewelry.
Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen was appointed just a month ago after his predecessor resigned amid a scandal in which he did political favours for a much younger love interest.
Adrianzen, like any new prime minister, requires endorsement of the Congress to proceed in the office.
But the scheduled vote of confidence comes in the same week that six ministers resigned after a police raid on President Dina Boluarte’s offices and home, making it a key litmus test of support for her fragile government.
If Adrianzen fails to secure a vote of confidence from the Congress, he will have to step down.
Such an outcome would only deepen the turmoil in the country, which is on its sixth president in eight years.
The 61-year-old Boluarte is being investigated for suspected illegal enrichment and failing to declare her luxury timepieces – a scandal dubbed Rolexgate by local media.
Attorney general Juan Villena, just on the eve of the vote, announced an expansion of the probe into president’s possession of a “$56,000 Cartier bracelet” and other jewelry valued at more than $500,000. Her bank deposits of about $250,000 are also being investigated.
Boluarte came to power in December 2022 after former president Pedro Castillo was arrested for attempting to dissolve parliament and rule by decree, leading to violent protests calling for his resignation and new elections.
She is also facing a constitutional complaint in connection with a crackdown on the protests which led to the deaths of over 50 people. Her approval rating stands at around 10 percent.
