For the fifth time in two years, Peru has a new president. A chain reaction yesterday that began with beleaguered President Pedro Castillo attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree ended with Peruvian lawmakers overwhelmingly impeaching Castillo and elevating Vice President Dina Boluarte to the presidency. Castillo was beset by allegations of corruption, cronyism, and sheer incompetence and had already survived two impeachment attempts. Boluarte, Peru’s first female president, takes over a country devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and plagued by a moribund economy and constant political upheaval.
Cynthia McClintock, professor of political science and international affairs at the George Washington University, is a renowned expert on Peruvian politics and history. She has authored several books about the country’s political environment and was awarded the Order of the Sun of Peru by the Peruvian government in 2008 for her extraordinary contributions to the country. Professor McClintock is available to provide insight, context, and commentary on the fall of former President Castillo and what lies ahead for Peru.