By Prosper Mene
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has ignited widespread outrage after her administration announced a decree on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, doubling her monthly salary from 15,600 soles (approximately $4,400) to 35,568 soles (about $10,067). The decision, comes as Peru grapples with poverty, rising crime, and political instability, and has drawn sharp criticism from citizens, lawmakers, and analysts, especially given Boluarte’s approval rating, which hovers at a historic low of 2-4%.
The salary increase, formalized by a government decree, was justified by Economy Minister Raúl Pérez-Reyes, who stated that Boluarte’s previous pay ranked among the lowest for Latin American presidents, only ahead of Bolivia’s. The government argued the raise aligns her salary with regional counterparts, citing a comparison of 12 Latin American countries. However, critics argue the timing is tone-deaf, with nearly 30% of Peruvians living in poverty and the nation facing a surge in gang-related violence.
“This is a mockery to a country facing serious problems,” said opposition lawmaker Jaime Quito, who announced plans to introduce legislation to reverse the raise. Fellow congressman Alex Flores supported the sentiment, stating, “Boluarte raises her salary while the country falls apart, with crime and corruption rampant.” Public reaction has been equally scathing, with Lima resident Carmen Juarez telling reporters, “She’s almost done with her term; there’s no need for this raise. She should be helping hospitals and sick children.”
Boluarte, who assumed the presidency in December 2022 following the impeachment of her predecessor Pedro Castillo, has faced relentless scrutiny. Her tenure has been marred by protests, allegations of corruption in the “Rolexgate” scandal involving undeclared luxury watches, and accusations of failing to address rising insecurity. Despite earlier denials in May 2025 that a pay raise was under consideration, a report by La República suggest the initiative came directly from Boluarte’s Presidential Office, fueling claims of opacity.
Economist Jorge Gonzáles Izquierdo called the timing “the worst possible,” given Boluarte’s near-zero approval rating and ongoing national crises. Social media has erupted with Peruvians labeling the move “outrageous” and “tone-deaf.” With general elections scheduled for April 2026, when Boluarte’s term ends, political observers warn that the decision could further erode public trust in her administration.
The controversy adds to Peru’s turbulent political landscape, which has seen six presidents since 2018.
