Latest news with #DinaBoluarte
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Peru's president Dina Boluarte hits record low approval of 2pc amid scandals and protests
LIMA, June 1 — With an approval rating of just two per cent, Peru's President Dina Boluarte may be the world's most unpopular leader, according to pollsters. Protests greeted her rise to power 29 months ago, and have marked her entire term—joined by assorted scandals, investigations, controversies and a surge in gang violence. The 63-year-old is the target of a dozen probes, including for her alleged failure to declare gifts of luxury jewels and watches, a scandal inevitably dubbed 'Rolexgate.' She is also under the microscope for a two-week undeclared absence for nose surgery—which she insists was medical, not cosmetic—and is being investigated for her role in a police crackdown that caused the deaths of 50 protesters. Against that bleak backdrop, Boluarte's never-high popularity hit rock bottom this month. The Ipsos polling agency found she had a two-per cent approval rating, down from 21 per cent when she took office. 'We might be talking about a world record of sustained presidential disapproval,' Ipsos Peru president Alfredo Torres told AFP. It is the lowest score Ipsos has measured in any of the other 90 countries it surveys, Torres said. Yet as far as recent Peruvian presidents go, she is not just a survivor, but positively an elder stateswoman. The South American nation has had six presidents in eight years and if Boluarte lasts to the end of her term next year, she would be the longest-serving of them all. Weakness is strength Despite not having a party in Congress, she has managed to stay in power with the backing of Peru's majority right-wing parties. Analysts say voter lethargy and political expediency have so far helped Boluarte buck the trend of prematurely ousted Peruvian leaders. 'In Peru, there is a political paradox: Boluarte is the weakest president of the last decade,' political analyst Augusto Alvarez of the University of the Pacific told AFP. But her weakness is 'also her strength,' he said, explaining that a lame-duck president is politically useful for Congress. 'It is a great business to have a fragile president whom they (lawmakers) use' to entrench their own power and pass laws beneficial to allies and backers, said Alvarez. Transparency International's Peruvian chapter Proetica has cited Congress for 'counter-reforms, setbacks in anti-corruption instruments... and shielding of members of Congress who are ethically questioned.' Boluarte has other factors counting in her favor. Congress is seemingly keeping her around for lack of a better, consensus, candidate. Another plus for Boluarte: Peru's economy has been performing well, with GDP growing 3.3 percent last year and 3.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025 -- a steep improvement from the 2020 recession blamed on Covid pandemic lockdowns. Peru's inflation rate is one of the lowest in the region. 'The economy continues to function, there is enormous resilience, and the population's income is growing,' said Alvarez. But this may have little to do with policy, observers say, and more with external factors such as rising copper prices. Peru is one of the top producers of the metal. 'Terrible image' On the street, there is little love for Boluarte, as Peru battles a surge in gang violence characterized by a wave of killings linked to extortion rackets. Boluarte 'has no empathy, she is an incapable president, she does not solve the security problem,' Saturnino Conde, a 63-year-old teacher, told AFP. At frequent marches against the president, the catchphrase: 'Dina, Asesina!' (Dina, Murderer!) has become a popular refrain. But a full-out rebellion appears unlikely, say analysts. Peruvians 'feel it's not worth it: if she resigns or is dismissed, she would be replaced by a member of Congress, but Congress also has a terrible image,' said Ipsos manager Torres. In addition, 'there is no other candidate that captivates, which is why people are not in a hurry to remove her from power.' — AFP
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
The world's most unpopular president? Peru's leader clings to power
LIMA: With an approval rating of just two percent, Peru's President Dina Boluarte may be the world's most unpopular leader, according to pollsters. Protests greeted her rise to power 29 months ago, and have marked her entire term — joined by assorted scandals, investigations, controversies and a surge in gang violence. The 63-year-old is the target of a dozen probes, including for her alleged failure to declare gifts of luxury jewels and watches, a scandal inevitably dubbed 'Rolexgate.' She is also under the microscope for a two-week undeclared absence for nose surgery — which she insists was medical, not cosmetic — and is being investigated for her role in a police crackdown that caused the deaths of 50 protesters. Against that bleak backdrop, Boluarte's never-high popularity hit rock bottom this month. The Ipsos polling agency found she had a two-percent approval rating, down from 21 percent when she took office. 'We might be talking about a world record of sustained presidential disapproval,' Ipsos Peru president Alfredo Torres told AFP. It is the lowest score Ipsos has measured in any of the other 90 countries it surveys, Torres said. Yet as far as recent Peruvian presidents go, she is not just a survivor, but positively an elder stateswoman. The South American nation has had six presidents in eight years and if Boluarte lasts to the end of her term next year, she would be the longest-serving of them all. Backed by corrupt majority rightwing parties Despite not having a party in Congress, she has managed to stay in power with the backing of Peru's majority right-wing parties. Analysts say voter lethargy and political expediency have so far helped Boluarte buck the trend of prematurely ousted Peruvian leaders. 'In Peru, there is a political paradox: Boluarte is the weakest president of the last decade,' political analyst Augusto Alvarez of the University of the Pacific told AFP. But her weakness is 'also her strength,' he said, explaining that a lame-duck president is politically useful for Congress. 'It is a great business to have a fragile president whom they (lawmakers) use' to entrench their own power and pass laws beneficial to allies and backers, said Alvarez. Transparency International's Peruvian chapter Proetica has cited Congress for 'counter-reforms, setbacks in anti-corruption instruments... and shielding of members of Congress who are ethically questioned.' Boluarte has other factors counting in her favor. Congress is seemingly keeping her around for lack of a better, consensus, candidate. Another plus for Boluarte: Peru's economy has been performing well, with GDP growing 3.3 percent last year and 3.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025 — a steep improvement from the 2020 recession blamed on Covid pandemic lockdowns. Peru's inflation rate is one of the lowest in the region. 'The economy continues to function, there is enormous resilience, and the population's income is growing,' said Alvarez. But this may have little to do with policy, observers say, and more with external factors such as rising copper prices. Peru is one of the top producers of the metal. Little love for her from the street On the street, there is little love for Boluarte, as Peru battles a surge in gang violence characterized by a wave of killings linked to extortion rackets. Boluarte 'has no empathy, she is an incapable president, she does not solve the security problem,' Saturnino Conde, a 63-year-old teacher, told AFP. At frequent marches against the president, the catchphrase: 'Dina, Asesina!' (Dina, Murderer!) has become a popular refrain. But a full-out rebellion appears unlikely, say analysts. Peruvians 'feel it's not worth it: if she resigns or is dismissed, she would be replaced by a member of Congress, but Congress also has a terrible image,' said Ipsos manager Torres. In addition, 'there is no other candidate that captivates, which is why people are not in a hurry to remove her from power.'
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
State of emergency declared in tourist destination as UK visitors advised caution
State of emergency declared in tourist destination as UK visitors advised caution The Foreign Office has issued updated information on the State of Emergency in parts of Peru Peru declared a "state of emergency" across the regions of Lima and Callao due to heightened security concerns (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) UK Tourists heading for a Peruvian adventure are advised to take caution by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), following Peru's recent declaration of a "state of emergency" across the regions of Lima and Callao due to heightened security concerns. According to the latest FCDO advisory, "The Peruvian government has declared a State of Emergency until 17 June in the regions of Lima and Callao following security issues." The alert specifies that "In Lima the measure applies to the following districts: Ate, Carabayllo, Comas, Puente Piedra, San Martín de Porres, San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa María del Triunfo and Villa El Salvador." Under this emergency protocol, it is reported that "This will see the police and army working together, and permit the restriction of some constitutional rights, for example, the police will be able to detain people without a judicial order if they deem it necessary." A worrying spate of crime has led to such heavy-handed measures, with the period from January to mid-March witnessing a staggering count of over 549 murders within the troubled regions, reports Birmingham Live. The escalation in violence, mainly attributed to gangs targeting sectors including transport, has compelled the government to take these severe steps. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Travellers to Peru are reminded by the FCDO that military and law enforcement agencies have joined forces and may suspend certain constitutional liberties during this time. As cautioned by the FCDO, "For example, the police will be able to detain people without a judicial order if they deem it necessary,". Following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Dina Boluarte's government on Monday, a decree was published encompassing both Lima and the nearby Callao. Travel and Tour World have warned: "Peru is still a dream destination for many. But as British tourists consider their summer plans, realism must match the romance. Until conditions stabilize, avoiding Lima and Callao is not just recommended-it's essential. "Stay tuned for updates. Monitor official channels. And if you're traveling to Peru, make your itinerary work for you-not against your safety." Article continues below
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
UK tourists warned after 'state of emergency' declared by Foreign Office at holiday spot
The FCDO has updated the travel advice for the regions of Lima and Callao. British tourists have been warned after a 'state of emergency' was declared in Peru following security issues. The Foreign Office issued the serious caution for the regions of Lima and Callao. The FCDO said it will be in place until June 17, with holidaymakers being told to reconsider their travel plans. Posting on their website, the FCDO advised: "The Peruvian government has declared a State of Emergency until 17 June in the regions of Lima and Callao following security issues. "In Lima the measure applies to the following districts: Ate, Carabayllo, Comas, Puente Piedra, San Martín de Porres, San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa María del Triunfo and Villa El Salvador. "This will see the police and army working together, and permit the restriction of some constitutional rights." The warning comes after weeks of escalating violence and crimes across Lima and its port city counterpart, Callao. This has been blamed on criminal groups who are known to target businesses such as transport companies, reports Birmingham Live. With over 549 killings reported between January and mid-March, the country has reached a crisis point. The FCDO has told travellers visiting Peru that the country's army and police are working together and are permitting the restriction of some constitutional rights. 'For example, the police will be able to detain people without a judicial order if they deem it necessary,' the FCDO said. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The state of emergency was announced on Monday after President Dina Boluarte's government published a decree applying to Lima and neighbouring Callao. Travel and Tour World advised: "Peru is still a dream destination for many. But as British tourists consider their summer plans, realism must match the romance. Until conditions stabilise, avoiding Lima and Callao is not just recommended—it's essential. "Stay tuned for updates. Monitor official channels. And if you're traveling to Peru, make your itinerary work for you—not against your safety." Yesterday, a British tourist who was robbed and assaulted before vanishing in Peru was found. The fashion graduate travelled to Peru in March on a yoga retreat to "find herself," friends say. However, Hannah lost contact with her friends there and thugs allegedly burned her possessions. She lost her phone, passport and was left penniless after she was attacked in the city of Cusco. However, before she flies home, it is thought she will require psychiatric care. She initially refused to accept assistance, with psychosis triggered by the trauma of being violently robbed leaving her too frightened to engage closely with officials or locals. A friend said: "It is a huge relief that she has been found, when she stopped contacting people we were worried she had been trafficked and we would never hear from her again."
News24
26-05-2025
- Politics
- News24
Pope Leo XIV holds private audience with Ukraine's Zelensky as 200 000 attend inauguration mass
Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The pope called for peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Myanmar. 200 000 people attended the inauguration mass in St Peter's Square. Pope Leo XIV held his first private audience as Catholic leader on Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after highlighting the hopes for peace for a 'martyred Ukraine'. Zelensky attended the inauguration mass on Sunday morning of Leo, the first pope from the US, where he also shook hands with US Vice President JD Vance. The politicians were among hundreds of dignitaries and an estimated 200 000 members of the public who attended the ceremony in St Peter's Square, 10 days after Leo became the first US head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. 'The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen,' the 69-year-old pope said in a prayer after the mass. Zelensky lined up to shake hands with Pope Leo afterward, and then he and his wife joined the pontiff for a private audience. READ | In fiery hearing Rubio refuses to label Putin a 'war criminal', but 'war crimes are being committed' In a video published by the Vatican, the soft-spoken Leo told the Ukrainian leader: 'Nice to see you again.' When they were all seated, he apologised for making the couple wait. As is customary, they also exchanged gifts. Leo only had two private audiences on Sunday. The other was with President Dina Boluarte of Peru, a country where the pontiff worked as a missionary for two decades and of which he also has citizenship. Earlier, in his homily, Leo said he wanted the Church to be a 'leaven for a reconciled world', calling for peace. In response, Zelensky wrote on Telegram: 'We are grateful for the special words spoken today at the solemn mass about the need for a just peace and for the attention given to Ukraine and our people. 'Every nation deserves to live in peace and security.' Handout/Vatican Media/AFP He offered his congratulations to the pope 'on the beginning of such a special mission'. 'May the prayers for a just peace and a dignified life for all people be heard,' he said. The late Pope Francis met Zelensky several times and repeatedly called for peace in Ukraine, even appointing a special envoy who visited Kyiv and Moscow. But many Ukrainians remember him bitterly for failing to clearly blame Russia for its invasion and calling for Ukraine to raise the 'white flag'. Moscow and Kyiv held their first direct talks in more than three years this week but did not agree a truce. In his Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the mass, Leo also noted: 'In Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger.' And he recalled how 'in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives'.
