Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, with an approval rating of just 2%, is facing intense criticism after nearly doubling her salary a year before her term ends. This move has drawn widespread condemnation, with many pointing out that it ignores the country's economic situation, where poverty approaches 30%, amidst a chaotic political landscape, including a state of emergency declared in the capital Lima due to a surge in violent crime.
According to Reuters and the BBC on July 4 (local time), the Peruvian government announced on July 2 that President Boluarte's salary would be increased by approximately 128%, from the original 15,600 soles (about 6 million won or ~$4,350 USD) to 35,568 soles (about 13 million won or ~$9,430 USD). This amount is 35 times the Peruvian monthly minimum wage of 1,025 soles (about 390,000 won or ~$280 USD). The Peruvian government explained that the increase was to bring the president's salary in line with other countries, citing that Peru's presidential salary ranked 11th lowest among 12 Latin American heads of state.
However, local public opinion remains cold. Critics are pouring scorn on the president's "self-imposed salary hike," calling it a decision completely out of touch with public sentiment, especially given the severe wealth disparity and heightened social unrest. The public's anger is further amplified by President Boluarte's approval rating hovering between 2-4% and her entanglement in various controversies, including allegations of receiving luxury Rolex watches. Online, a flood of parody content mocking President Boluarte has emerged, and some angry citizens have even thrown eggs at her vehicle, directly expressing their displeasure.
President Dina Boluarte assumed the presidency as vice president in December 2022, after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached. Her term is scheduled to end in July of next year, following the presidential election slated for April of next year. This salary increase, implemented with only about a year remaining in her term, will likely make it difficult for her to avoid accusations of "reckless behavior" ahead of her departure. Analysis suggests that the president's sense of entitlement, detached from the lives of citizens struggling with poverty, is igniting another spark of conflict in Peruvian society.
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