Political Instability In Peru Seen to Continue Under Dina Boluarte

One may think that Peruvian lawyer Dina Boluarte's abrupt ascension to become the country's first female president is a cause for celebration for the often politically unstable South American state, but quite the opposite has occurred as some politicians are already calling for early elections and more protests are planned.

Peru's then vice-president and Castillo's running mate, Boluarte, took office as head of state, shortly after Castillo was impeached by Congress following his attempt to dissolve the legislative body. The now 64th president in Peru's history, was next in line to take office after Castillo's failed self-coup and impeachment.

In her first official event as president, Peru’s first female president appeared at the yearly ceremony to commemorate Peruvian Army Day, Friday, held at the Army Headquarters in Lima's San Borja district. Peruvian Army Day is commemorated every December 9 due to the victory of Peru's battalion in the Battle of Ayacucho, that occurred in 1824.

“Our nation is strong and secure thanks to the armed forces, the navy, the air force, and the army of Peru,” Boularte said Friday in Peru’s capital, according to columbian.com. She added, “They give us the guarantee that we live in order, respecting the constitution, the rule of law, the balance of powers.”

Seeking to avoid being added to the list of ousted presidents, Boluarte quickly began to show herself in public Friday, implementing her first steps as Peru’s newest president, according to The Associated Press. The AP added Boluarte, has begun the daunting task of trying to rally the citizens of Peru behind institutions devastated for years by endemic corruption.

Whether it was just her first step in head of state duties, or an attempt to solidify her stance as president, remains in question. While many of Peruvian members of Congress see past the alleged facade and believe Boluarte is an extension of Castillo's corruption.

Peru has had six presidents in the last six years. With the controversy that has followed her into her new position of power, Boluarte has mentioned she should be allowed to hold the office for the remaining three and a half years of Castillo's term, according to columbian.com.