Peruvian President Dina Boluarte remains in office, after Congress filed a request for his removal from office, an initiative promoted by leftist movements associated with former President Pedro Castillo, who deposed Congress on December 7 after a failed coup when he attempted to overthrow the legislative and ruling power to dissolve by decree

A minimum of 50 votes was required to pass the motion. “37 congressmen voted in favour, 64 against, 10 abstentions: As a result, President Dina Boluarte’s vacancy motion, which is being tabled, has not been accepted,” Congressional chief José Williams announced during the session, which was attended by 114 of a total of 130 legislators.

The votes in favor came from various left-wing benches. While the right-wing and far-right parties voted against or abstained.

Lawmaker Hamlet Echeverría supported the motion by saying “moral impotence”, and assured that Boluarte ordered 50 protesters to “execute” the majority of groups who attempted to storm two airports in Puno and Ayacucho regions, and were repelled by state forces.

At the age of 60, Boluarte, who was vice president of Castillo, took power on December 7 and is to serve until July 2026.

Although this vacancy motion was not passed, lawmakers can continue to file recalls. For example, Castillo – who served 17 months of his term – received two such requests before being permanently removed.

Castiló’s resignation sparked violent protests in southern Peru and Lima, leaving more than 50 dead and 1,000 injured. These mobilizations call for the resignation of the government, the closure of Congress and the advance of the general election.

Boluarte faces an investigation into the alleged crimes of “genocide, murder and serious injury”.