Peru's president questioned in 'Rolex' graft probe

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was questioned Wednesday by prosecutors investigating what has become known as "Rolexgate," a corruption scandal shaking her already unpopular government.

This is the second time Boluarte has been summoned to testify since the scandal erupted in March over the discovery of a trove of undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewelry.

After an hour, she left the prosecutor's office in downtown Lima without making a statement.

Outside the building guarded by police, a dozen demonstrators called for her resignation.

"This scoundrel cannot stay until 2026.... We can no longer support this government," Maria Maldonado, 52, told AFP.

Boluarte told prosecutors last month the Rolex watches had been loaned by her friend, the regional governor of Ayacucho, Wilfredo Oscorima. She is also being investigated for "passive corruption," for receiving improper benefits from public officials.

If the prosecution indicts her, Boluarte can only be tried at the end of her mandate, in July 2026, under the constitution.

Adding to the president's woes, her brother Nicanor Boluarte was arrested Friday in a separate graft probe.

Nicanor Boluarte is suspected of being at the head of a corruption network which appointed civil servants in exchange for bribes, taking advantage of his sister's power, according to court authorities.

The president, who has an approval rating of 12 percent according to an Ipsos poll, does not have or lead a party in congress, requiring her to secure backing from conservatives.

"We will continue our journey until July 28, 2026! Because here, the people have chosen a presidential ticket and, according to the constitution, this must be respected,” she said on Tuesday.

In just eight years, Peru has had six presidents.

Dina Boluarte took office in December 2022, replacing left-wing President Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for unsuccessfully trying to dissolve Congress. She was his vice-president.

In 2023, prosecutors opened an investigation in which she stands accused of "genocide, homicide and serious injuries," for the deaths of more than 50 protesters during a crackdown on demonstrations demanding she resign and call fresh elections.