Peru's Political Turmoil Deepens as Prime Minister Resigns Before No-Confidence Vote

The sudden resignation adds to the challenges faced by President Dina Boluarte, whose popularity has plummeted as public frustration grows.

Peru is reeling from a political upheaval as Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén announced his resignation just hours before a no-confidence vote was set to take place in Congress. This decision came on the heels of a tragic incident that saw the kidnapping and killing of 13 mine workers, prompting Congress to call for the vote against him.

Adrianzén's resignation represents yet another setback for President Dina Boluarte, who has struggled with plummeting approval ratings in the face of escalating crime rates that have left citizens in fear. His departure marks a significant moment in Peru’s tumultuous political landscape, as he is the third prime minister to serve under Boluarte's administration since she took office following the impeachment of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo.

According to Peruvian constitutional law, the resignation of a prime minister necessitates the resignation of the entire cabinet. As a result, Boluarte is now compelled to appoint a new cabinet amid a climate of political disarray. Just prior to Adrianzén's resignation announcement, Boluarte had taken steps to reshuffle her existing cabinet, appointing new ministers in finance, interior, and transport. Unfortunately for these newly appointed officials, they too must now relinquish their positions, raising questions about the stability of Boluarte's administration.

Public dissatisfaction has been palpable, as the citizenry grows increasingly impatient with Boluarte’s perceived inability to tackle rising crime and violence. Recent protests have seen thousands taking to the streets demanding answers and action in response to rampant extortion and targeted killings, particularly affecting small businesses and transport workers. In a powerful display of unity, demonstrators dressed in white have proclaimed "no more deaths," reflecting the urgent need for reform in addressing the intertwined crises of crime and governance in Peru. As the pressure mounts, the future of Boluarte's presidency and Peru's political stability remains uncertain.