The 'Rolex case' launches the second motion of censure against the Peruvian president

Right-wing parties have aligned themselves with the president, who continues to remain silent on the origin of luxury watches

MADRID, 31 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Perú Libre, the former party of the Peruvian president, Dina Boluarte, has obtained the 26 signatures of congressmen necessary to launch a motion of vacancy or censure against the president after she has not given explanations about the origin of the luxury watches which he usually wears in his appearances in the so-called 'Rolex case'. The Prosecutor's Office has searched the Government Palace and Boluarte's home, which has unleashed the political crisis.

The motion raises Boluarte's "permanent moral or physical inability to serve as Head of State" appealing to articles 38, 102 and 118 of the Political Constitution of Peru. "Boluarte exercises the highest magistracy of Peru, which requires ethical and moral behavior, which includes a set of unbreakable rules that contribute to the strength of the virtues and basic values ​​of the human individual," she argues.

Specifically, it appeals to "ethically reprehensible conduct, of such gravity and flagrancy that it is manifestly impossible for the President of the Republic to continue in office."

Now, the motion can be voted on by the Peruvian Congress, the unicameral Parliament made up of 130 representatives and presumably the right-wing and far-right parties that support Boluarte will prevent the measure from progressing with the nuance that formations such as the Alliance for Progress have warned against who will support the motion if the head of state does not give timely explanations about the origin of the watches.

The Fuerza Popular, Renovación Popular, Somos Perú and Alianza para el Progreso parties have supported Boluarte after his message to the nation on Saturday despite the fact that he did not give any explanation about the watches at the "request" of his lawyer and have aligned themselves with the thesis that these are "unconstitutional" records as the president herself defends.

The four parties that support Boluarte have 47 seats in the Peruvian Parliament, far from the 65 that represent the majority, although so far the support of independent congressmen aligned with these formations has been enough support to guarantee him a majority.

"Supporting a vacancy would be a moral obligation if President Boluarte's silence persists and if investigations continue to find evidence of illicit enrichment," said Popular Renovation congressman Alejandro Muñante.

The party promoting the vacancy motion, Perú Libre, has reproached Boluarte for his "victimism" in the public appearance after the searches for luxury watches. "It turns out that now he is the victim, that the culprits are the journalists and that we must march for peace," said congressman Flavio Cruz.

The feminist organization Flora Tristán has also criticized the president for hiding behind "sexism." "It is unacceptable to use structural problems such as sexism and discrimination as an excuse to avoid accountability. Authorities are obliged to explain their actions and assets to citizens," she said in a statement.

The National Association of Journalists (ANP) has also criticized Boluarte's appearance and recalled that "journalists have a duty to supervise power." "The National Association of Journalists of Peru condemns the stigmatizing charge against journalistic activity in President Dina Boluarte's message to the Nation," the organization has published on X, formerly Twitter.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues into the up to 14 watches that a newspaper article revealed that he had worn in his appearances. The Prosecutor's Office has published a statement defending itself against Boluarte's accusations and has reported that documentation for a Rolex acquired in 2023 was found in the registry. Boluarte had assured that the watches dated "from yesteryear."

Boluarte is summoned on April 5 to give a statement and show the Rolex watches as her defense had requested and after failing to appear in previous summons.