President Boluarte embroiled in luxury watch scandal

Peru's President Dina Boluarte is currently embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of accepting luxury Rolex watches as bribes. The country's Attorney General has raised concerns after a collection of undisclosed Rolex watches and jewelry was found in the possession of the president earlier this year.

The Attorney General has taken legal action against Boluarte, accusing her of passively engaging in corruption by accepting these high-end gifts from a regional governor. Boluarte has defended herself by claiming that the watches were merely on loan from Governor Wilfredo Oscorima. However, an investigation is underway to determine if she received improper benefits from public officials.

Despite her low approval rating of 12 percent, Boluarte is currently shielded from prosecution due to her immunity while in office. The Prime Minister has criticized the accusations, labeling them as a targeted attack on the president and condemning the legal proceedings as unconstitutional.

A congressional committee will carefully examine the allegations before presenting them to the full chamber for a decision. Should the case progress, the courts will ultimately decide whether Boluarte will face trial once her term concludes in 2026.

Peru has a turbulent history of political instability, witnessing six presidents in the last eight years. Boluarte assumed office in 2022 following the impeachment and imprisonment of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo. In addition to the bribery scandal, she is also grappling with accusations of genocide and severe injuries stemming from a government crackdown on protests during her tenure.

The allegations against President Boluarte have sparked significant controversy in Peru, raising concerns about corruption and political ethics. As the legal process unfolds, the country faces a critical juncture in its governance. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.