The Peruvian government announced on 2/7 that President Dina Boluarte signed a decree increasing her salary to approximately 10,000 USD per month, double the previous amount.
Economy Minister Raul Perez-Reyes said the new salary was determined after comparing it with the salaries of heads of state in 12 Latin American countries. Before the adjustment, Boluarte's salary ranked 11th, only higher than the Bolivian president's.
The Peruvian president's office denied reports in May that Boluarte was about to receive a pay raise.
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President Boluarte attends an event in France on 13/6. Photo: AFP |
President Boluarte attends an event in France on 13/6. Photo: AFP
Boluarte, 63, is considered an unpopular leader, with approval ratings around 2% in May. The Peruvian president is facing protests over increased gang violence in the country.
"This is the worst possible time to release this information, when her approval rating is almost zero," Peruvian economist Jorge Gonzales Izquierdo said on television.
Former economy minister Luis Miguel Castilla also said the pay raise would only further alienate the public from the Peruvian president.
Protests against the Peruvian government have been ongoing since Boluarte took office in December 2022. Her term has also seen numerous scandals, investigations, controversies, and increased gang violence. Boluarte is facing dozens of investigations, including allegations of failing to declare gifts of jewelry and luxury watches.
The Peruvian president is suspected of owning around 15 Rolex watches while serving as a minister and vice president from July 2021 to December 2022, including at least one 18-carat rose gold Rolex studded with diamonds worth approximately 19,000 USD.
In March 2024, police and the Public Prosecutor's Office conducted a surprise search of Boluarte's private residence in the capital Lima to "search for and seize" the expensive Rolex watches she had not declared.
Huyen Le (According to AFP)
