Peru's President Dina Boluarte's nose job has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with some lawmakers demanding her removal from office for failing to delegate her duties during the procedure.
The 62-year-old leader's surgery, which took place in the summer of 2023, has been a hot topic on social media and in local news outlets. However, it was only officially acknowledged on Tuesday when Boluarte's former prime minister, Alberto Otarola, disclosed the details to a congressional commission.
"She informed me she was getting a rhinoplasty... a nose surgery, but for respiratory issues," Otarola recounted to the lawmakers investigating the matter. The congressional oversight commission is scrutinizing Boluarte's whereabouts from June 28 to July 10, 2023, a period during which she vanished from the public eye.
According to local media, Boluarte underwent the surgery at a Lima clinic without public notice or delegating her powers to Congress. Otarola clarified that Boluarte managed her responsibilities virtually during her recovery.
"There was no lapse in power during that time, as the surgical procedure did not involve significant complications," Otarola added, noting his dismissal by Boluarte in March. Some lawmakers and legal experts argue that Boluarte's actions breach the constitution and advocate for her removal.
"It would warrant dismissal... because the president should have sought permission from Congress," stated Juan Burgos, head of the oversight commission, to reporters. Patricia Juarez, Vice-President of Congress, attempted to downplay the controversy, labeling it "much ado about nothing."
Boluarte has faced numerous controversies in recent months. Prosecutors accuse her of accepting bribes in the form of Rolex watches. She is also held accountable for over 50 deaths during a crackdown on protests calling for her resignation and new elections in 2022.
Boluarte lacks a party in Congress and has an approval rating of nearly 95 percent disapproval. Her term concludes in July 2026.
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