Peru's President Sidesteps Impeachment Amid Rolex Watch Scandal

In a significant political development, Peru's congressional committee has cleared President Dina Boluarte of impeachment over corruption allegations related to luxury watches, but potential legal challenges may await her post-office.

A congressional subcommittee in Peru has announced it will not pursue an investigation into President Dina Boluarte concerning claims that she accepted Rolex watches as bribes, effectively shielding her from immediate impeachment efforts. Boluarte, who currently grapples with low approval ratings, remains in her position despite the troubling allegations, which are part of an inquiry dubbed “Rolexgate.” The dismissal of the investigation means she will maintain her presidential immunity until her term ends next year, although she may still face legal repercussions once out of office.

The investigation began earlier in 2024 after reports surfaced highlighting the luxurious watches Boluarte wore at public events. In March, police raided her residence seeking proof of purchase documents for the watches she allegedly failed to declare. Authorities also searched the government palace, following a refusal from prosecutors to grant Boluarte additional time to respond to a subpoena requesting evidence of where the watches came from. Boluarte and her administration have denounced the raids as "disproportionate and unconstitutional."

Boluarte has maintained that she entered office "with clean hands" and plans to leave under the same premise, asserting that her Rolex watch is an old asset acquired from years of hard work. The president is under pressure from various sides, including a separate investigation related to her undisclosed two-week absence in 2023, during which she underwent nose surgery without delegating her powers.

Taking office after the impeachment of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, Boluarte witnessed significant civil unrest, resulting in numerous fatalities as citizens demanded her resignation following Castillo's controversial ousting. Future elections for both the presidency and legislature in Peru are scheduled for April 2026.