Boluarte hikes own salary while Peru grapples with rising violence

 Boluarte hikes own salary while Peru grapples with rising violence

Peru's President Dina Boluarte Doubles Salary Amid National Unrest and Low Approval Ratings

Peru’s embattled President Dina Boluarte has approved a substantial salary increase for herself, effectively doubling her monthly earnings to around $10,000, according to an official government decree released on Wednesday, July 2.

The 63-year-old leader, who continues to face widespread protests over escalating gang violence and political instability, had previously denied reports in May suggesting she was seeking a pay raise.

Economy Minister Raúl Pérez-Reyes defended the increase, stating it was based on a comparative study of presidential salaries in 12 Latin American countries. Prior to the adjustment, Boluarte’s salary ranked 11th among the group—just ahead of Bolivia’s president.

However, the timing of the announcement has drawn sharp criticism, especially with Boluarte’s approval rating hovering around 2% as of May. “This is the worst time to announce this news, given her approval ratings are close to zero,” said economist Jorge González Izquierdo in an interview with N television.

Former Economy Minister Luis Miguel Castilla echoed the criticism, saying the move “reinforces the impression of frivolity” surrounding Boluarte’s administration.

Since assuming office in December 2022, Boluarte has faced relentless demonstrations and a string of controversies, including multiple corruption investigations. One of the most prominent probes involves her alleged failure to declare luxury watches and jewelry—an affair widely dubbed “Rolexgate.”

With ongoing political turbulence and rising violence, the pay hike has only deepened public frustration toward Peru’s increasingly unpopular head of state.