Peru’s embattled President, Dina Boluarte, has triggered widespread public criticism after the government announced on Wednesday that her monthly salary has been doubled, despite her deep unpopularity and mounting national challenges. With only one year remaining in her presidential term, the 63-year-old leader will now earn approximately $10,000 per month, as stated in an official decree.
This announcement comes just weeks after the presidency publicly denied reports circulating in May that suggested Boluarte would receive a pay raise. The decision has intensified backlash, particularly as the country continues to grapple with a severe rise in gang violence and ongoing political instability.
According to Economy Minister Raul Perez-Reyes, the decision to increase Boluarte’s pay followed a comparative review of the salaries of presidents across 12 Latin American nations. Prior to the increase, Boluarte’s salary ranked second to last in the region—only slightly ahead of Bolivia’s president.
However, critics argue the timing and optics of the pay raise are politically tone-deaf. With Boluarte’s approval rating sitting at an abysmal 2% as of May, the move has further alienated the Peruvian public. Economist Jorge Gonzáles Izquierdo commented on N television that “this is the worst time to announce this news, given her approval ratings are close to zero.”
Former Economy Minister Luis Miguel Castilla added that the salary hike “reinforces the impression of frivolity” surrounding Boluarte’s presidency, which has been plagued by controversy since her ascent to power in December 2022. Her administration has faced constant protests, multiple corruption investigations, and public scandals, including the high-profile “Rolexgate” case, in which she is being investigated for failing to declare luxury watches and jewelry.
In total, Boluarte is currently the subject of at least a dozen official probes. The salary increase, in the eyes of many Peruvians, only deepens the disconnect between the presidency and a nation struggling with economic uncertainty, insecurity, and political fatigue.
