Peruvian President Dina Boluarte’s nose job on Tuesday led to severe political backlash, with some lawmakers calling for her removal from office for failing to delegate her duties during the medical procedure.
President Boluarte, 62, underwent the surgery in the summer of 2023. The operation became a topic of extensive social media and local press discussion, yet it was only officially confirmed this Tuesday. Alberto Otarola, Boluarte’s former prime minister, disclosed the surgery to a congressional commission.
Otarola explained to the commission investigating Boluarte’s activities, “She told me she was going to have a rhinoplasty for breathing issues.”
From June 28 to July 10, 2023, Boluarte was absent from the public eye. She reportedly had the surgery at a clinic in Lima without public notice or formally passing her powers to another government official.
Otarola, dismissed by Boluarte in March, mentioned that the president managed her duties virtually during her recovery. “There was no absence of power at that time because the surgical procedure had no major complications,” he said.
However, some lawmakers and legal experts argue that Boluarte’s actions violate constitutional duties, advocating for her impeachment. “It would be cause for dismissal… because the president should have asked permission from Congress,” stated Juan Burgos, the head of the oversight commission.
To downplay the controversy, Vice President of Congress Patricia Juarez described the situation as “a storm in a glass of water.”
Boluarte has faced multiple controversies, including accusations from prosecutors of accepting bribes, such as Rolex watches. She is also blamed for the deaths of over 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations calling for her resignation and new elections in 2022.
With no political party in Congress and a disapproval rating nearing 95%, Boluarte’s challenges continue as she approaches the end of her term in July 2026.
