Peru swears in new president amid constitutional crisis

Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in Wednesday as Peru's next president after Congress voted out President Pedro Castillo shortly after he dissolved the legislative body.

The 60-year-old lawyer took the oath of office and became the first female leader in the more than 200-year history of the independent republic.

On Wednesday, lawmakers voted 101-6 with 10 abstentions to remove Castillo from office for reasons of "permanent moral incapacity." Fluent in Spanish and Quechua, Boluarte was elected as vice president on the presidential ticket that brought Castillo to power July 28, 2021. During Castillo's brief administration, Boluarte was minister of development and social inclusion.

After becoming president, Boluarte is set to finish her administration on July 2026.