Peruvian President Dina Boluarte recently faced a judiciary inquiry regarding a secret nose surgery she underwent in July 2023, which has raised concerns about potential abandonment of office. Following a revelation by former Prime Minister Alberto Otárola, legal analysts suggest her actions may violate constitutional regulations, possibly leading to impeachment. Boluarte maintains the procedure was necessary and non-cosmetic, while also contending with other controversies, including her involvement in violent protests and allegations of luxury gifts.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte Faces Judiciary Over Controversial Nose Surgery
On January 13, 2023, Dina Boluarte, the president of Peru, made a significant appearance before the judiciary regarding a secretive nose surgery she underwent in July 2023. This procedure has since been categorized as a potential case of abandonment of office, raising serious implications for her political future. Boluarte was questioned for more than four hours at the public ministry in Lima, yet she chose not to make any comments upon her departure. This marks her first testimony in this ongoing investigation, which may trigger calls for impeachment from the Parliament.
The Scandal Unfolds
The controversy began on December 5 when former Prime Minister Alberto Otárola disclosed that Boluarte had undergone a nose job without notifying Parliament, as is legally required, citing potential health risks. Following this revelation, the prosecutor’s office initiated an inquiry to assess whether Boluarte, a 62-year-old legal professional, committed a ‘crime of abandonment of office’ by neglecting to inform both the government and Parliament about the surgery.
Legal analysts and some members of Parliament argue that her actions may have breached constitutional regulations, potentially leading to an impeachment process or a vacancy of power. Boluarte’s attorney, Juan Carlos Portugal, dismissed the investigation as unfounded, claiming that the president answered 45 questions during her interrogation. He asserted that the president’s decision was justified, noting that she had signed 91 decrees on the day of the operation, and emphasized that it was a minor procedure lasting only 40 minutes.
In a public address on December 13, Boluarte confirmed the surgery, clarifying that it was not cosmetic but a necessary medical intervention. She pointed out that there were no noticeable aesthetic changes in her appearance post-operation. In December, Boluarte also ruled out the possibility of resigning over this matter, asserting that she intends to complete her presidential term, which concludes in July 2026. Boluarte made history as the first woman to occupy Peru’s presidency after being elected on December 7, 2022, under an independent banner following her association with the Marxist-inspired Peru Libre party.
The issue has garnered widespread attention in local media and on social platforms, with the phrase ‘the presidential nose’ becoming a viral sensation and spawning numerous memes. Amidst a backdrop of declining popularity, Boluarte is also under scrutiny for other controversies, including the so-called ‘Rolexgate,’ which involves allegations of undisclosed luxury watches and jewelry.
Additionally, she faces investigations regarding her alleged role in the violent repression of protests that erupted after she assumed office in December 2022, following the impeachment of former president Pedro Castillo, an event that led to over 50 fatalities. This period has marked a tumultuous chapter in Peruvian politics, with the nation experiencing unprecedented instability, having seen six presidents in just over eight years.