Boluarte, President of Peru, Faces Record-Low Approval Ratings
Salary Increase Approved, but Cabinet Meeting Records Remain Confidential
Took Office After Predecessor Was Impeached
Dina Boluarte, President of Peru, who assumed power as vice president following the impeachment of her predecessor, has sparked controversy by raising her own salary by 2.2 times. On July 3 (local time), Yonhap News reported that "the Peruvian government published the Cabinet's approval of a presidential decree regarding the adjustment of the president's salary in the official gazette, El Peruano." The key point of this decree is to increase the president's monthly salary from 16,000 soles (approximately 614,000 KRW) to 35,568 soles (approximately 1,360,000 KRW). The decision was approved on this day and is set to take effect immediately on July 4.
Peruvian authorities explained that the president's salary was the lowest among neighboring South American countries, except for Bolivia, and that years of salary freezes had left the president's pay at about half the average of cabinet ministers. These factors led to the decision to increase the president's monthly salary. However, it is reported that the minutes of the Cabinet meeting, which contain the specific discussions leading to the approval, have been kept confidential. Raul Perez Reyes, Peru's Minister of Economy, stated, "The Cabinet approved the presidential decree adjusting the president's salary," adding that "this is based on the budget law and civil service regulations implemented in November of last year."
The local response has been overwhelmingly critical. The president's salary, which is 35 times the Peruvian minimum wage of 1,025 soles (approximately 390,000 KRW), is considered inappropriate for the country's economic situation. There are also criticisms regarding the lack of transparency in the decision to raise the salary.
The backlash has been even greater because this decision was made while the president's approval rating is at an all-time low. According to a presidential approval survey conducted by polling firm Ipsos for local media outlet Peru 21 on May 8-9, targeting 1,207 adults aged 18 and over nationwide (with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points), only 2% gave a positive evaluation of President Boluarte's administration, marking the lowest figure ever recorded.
There are also numerous controversies regarding the president's morality. Notable examples include the so-called "Rolex Gate" scandal, involving the alleged illicit acquisition of expensive jewelry, and suspicions of "secret rhinoplasty and cosmetic procedures." In addition, she is under investigation for allegedly ordering a harsh crackdown by the military and police during protests against the presidential impeachment between December 2022 and January 2023, which resulted in dozens of deaths. Less than two years after taking office, she also faced an impeachment crisis on grounds of "moral incapacity."
Last month, when news broke that President Boluarte would attend an event in the Arequipa region, protesters gathered at the venue and threw stones and eggs at ministers' vehicles while chanting "murderer" in protest.
President Boluarte assumed office in December 2022, a year and a half after her inauguration as vice president, succeeding former President Pedro Castillo, who was impeached. Former President Castillo is currently in detention on charges including corruption and rebellion. President Boluarte's term runs until July next year. Peru's next presidential election is scheduled for April 12 next year.
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