Peru’s embattled President Dina Boluarte has approved a significant salary increase, doubling her monthly pay to approximately $10,000 with one year remaining in her presidential term, the government announced Wednesday.
The 63-year-old leader faces mounting protests fueled by a surge in gang violence and widespread dissatisfaction with her administration. According to an official decree, Boluarte’s new salary places her above most Latin American counterparts, a move justified by Economy Minister Raul Perez-Reyes, who explained the adjustment followed a comparison with the salaries of heads of state from twelve countries in the region.
Before this raise, Boluarte’s compensation ranked 11th among her peers, only surpassing Bolivia’s president. The announcement comes despite earlier presidential denials in May about any impending pay increase.
The timing of the raise has drawn sharp criticism. Economist Jorge Gonzáles Izquierdo told N television, “This is the worst time to announce this news, given her approval ratings are close to zero.” Boluarte’s approval rating was around 2 percent in May, reflecting deep public discontent.
Former Economy Minister Luis Miguel Castilla condemned the decision, stating it “reinforces the impression of frivolity” surrounding the president.
Since assuming office in December 2022, Boluarte’s tenure has been marked by persistent protests, scandals, and investigations, including the high-profile “Rolexgate” scandal involving allegations that she failed to declare luxury gifts such as jewels and watches. She currently faces a dozen probes amid escalating gang violence and political turmoil.
