Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is facing growing controversy after revelations surfaced about a nose surgery she underwent in the summer of 2023. The procedure, which Boluarte claims was necessary for breathing problems, has sparked a fierce debate in Congress, with some lawmakers accusing her of constitutional violations and demanding her removal from office.
The surgery, which took place between June 28 and July 10, 2023, was not publicly disclosed at the time, leading to speculation and public scrutiny. It was officially confirmed on Tuesday by Alberto Otarola, Boluarte’s former prime minister, who revealed details of the procedure to a congressional commission.
“She told me she was going to get a rhinoplasty… a surgery on the nose, but for breathing problems,” Otarola told the committee. He explained that Boluarte’s absence from public view during this period, a time when she failed to delegate her powers to Congress, had raised concerns about governance.
The congressional oversight commission is currently investigating the president’s whereabouts and activities during the period of her absence. Local media reports suggest that the president had the surgery at a clinic in Lima, and during her recovery, she continued to carry out her duties virtually. Otarola added that there were no complications from the procedure, asserting that there was “no absence of power” during that time.
However, legal experts and some lawmakers have expressed concern that Boluarte’s failure to inform the public or seek permission from Congress may have violated constitutional procedures. Juan Burgos, a member of the oversight commission, argued that Boluarte’s actions could constitute grounds for dismissal. “It would be cause for dismissal because the president should have asked permission from Congress,” Burgos told reporters.
In an effort to quell the controversy, Vice-President of Congress Patricia Juarez dismissed the matter as “a storm in a glass of water,” downplaying the significance of the issue.
Boluarte, who has faced multiple scandals during her presidency, is also under investigation for allegations of accepting bribes, including receiving Rolex watches. Additionally, she is accused of being responsible for the deaths of over 50 protesters during violent demonstrations in 2022, when calls for her resignation and new elections grew.
The president, who has no political party in Congress and is facing record-low approval ratings, continues to navigate a tumultuous presidency. With her term set to end in July 2026, Boluarte’s political future remains uncertain.
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