Dina Boluarte: Peru’s First Female President Amidst Turmoil
Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra is a Peruvian lawyer and politician who currently serves as the President of Peru. Her rise to power has been marked by political upheaval and social unrest, making her tenure one of the most challenging in recent Peruvian history.
Born in Chalhuanca, Apurímac, Boluarte studied law at the University of San Martín de Porres. Prior to entering the political arena, she worked as a public official at the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC). Her political career began in earnest when she ran for Vice President on the Perú Libre ticket alongside Pedro Castillo in the 2021 general election. Castillo’s surprise victory catapulted her into the role of First Vice President, and she concurrently served as the Minister of Development and Social Inclusion.
The Castillo administration was plagued by political instability from the outset. Constant accusations of corruption and ideological clashes with the opposition Congress led to multiple attempts to impeach Castillo. Boluarte, initially a loyal supporter, distanced herself from Castillo in the months leading up to his ouster. She publicly criticized his actions and expressed a commitment to upholding the constitution.
On December 7, 2022, Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, a move widely condemned as a self-coup. Congress swiftly impeached him, and Dina Boluarte, as First Vice President, was constitutionally mandated to assume the presidency. She was sworn in later that same day, becoming the first female President of Peru.
Boluarte’s ascension to the presidency was immediately met with widespread protests. Many Peruvians, particularly in rural areas and among supporters of Castillo, viewed her as a usurper who had betrayed the popular vote. Protests erupted across the country, demanding her resignation, the dissolution of Congress, and new elections. These demonstrations were often met with forceful responses from security forces, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, further fueling public anger.
Boluarte has attempted to quell the unrest through dialogue and promises of early elections. However, she has faced significant obstacles in gaining popular legitimacy and navigating the complex political landscape. Opposition parties remain divided, and public trust in political institutions is at an all-time low. She has appointed several cabinets, but none have managed to stabilize the political situation or address the underlying social and economic grievances fueling the protests.
Her government’s handling of the protests has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, both domestic and international, who have condemned the excessive use of force by security forces. Investigations into the deaths and injuries sustained during the protests are ongoing. Boluarte has defended the actions of the security forces, arguing that they were necessary to maintain order and prevent further violence. The future of her presidency and the stability of Peru remain uncertain as she continues to grapple with deep-seated political divisions and widespread social unrest.