Background on Dina Boluarte and Her Relevant Position
Dina Boluarte is the current President of Peru, taking office in November 2021 following the resignation of her predecessor, Pedro Castillo. As President, Boluarte holds the highest authority and jurisdiction within Peru’s public officials, as stipulated by the Constitution. Her salary has been a subject of controversy after she announced a 120% increase, sparking criticism from various political factions.
Leftist Groups’ Response and Proposed Actions
The Peruvian left-wing political groups, including the Socialist Bloc, Democratic Popular Block, and Juntos por el Perú-Voces del Pueblo, have introduced multiple legislative proposals to reverse the salary hike. These groups argue that Decreto Supremo N°136-2025-EF, which facilitated the increase, lacks legitimacy and proper institutional backing.
Legislative Proposals
- A multiparty bill aiming to repeal the controversial decree
- Interrogation of Prime Minister Eduardo Arana and Economy Minister Raúl Pérez Reyes, who are responsible for the technical report supporting Boluarte’s salary increase
- A letter to Congress President Eduardo Salhuana, urging him to summon Boluarte for a parliamentary hearing to justify the salary increase technically, legally, and financially
Support for Legislative Proposals
The leftist blocs have garnered support from various parties, including Podemos Perú, Somos Perú, Perú Libre, Renovación Popular, Honor y Democracia, Acción Popular, and the Socialist Bloc. However, no representatives from Fuerza Popular have participated in the voting process for these proposals.
Justifications and Criticisms
Boluarte’s supporters argue that her salary should reflect her high-ranking position within the public sector, as outlined by the Constitution. They maintain that the previous salary was inconsistent with her jurisdiction.
Conversely, leftist critics have labeled the salary increase as “a slap in the face of Peru’s poverty.” They contend that, amidst social, economic, and institutional crises, clear explanations are essential. Representatives from Podemos Perú and Bloque Democrático Popular have denounced the lack of technical justification and deemed the move politically inappropriate.
Public Debate and Congressional Response
Following the approval of the salary increase by the Council of Ministers, Boluarte’s new monthly earnings rose from 15,600 soles (approximately 3,700 euros) to 35,500 soles (around 8,500 euros). The decision was formalized and signed by Boluarte on Friday.
In response, Peru’s Congressional Fiscalization Commission decided to summon Boluarte for a parliamentary hearing to explain the salary-increasing regulation. Additionally, they approved an initial bill aiming to annul the increase.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the controversy surrounding Dina Boluarte’s salary increase? The Peruvian left-wing political groups argue that the 120% salary increase lacks proper institutional backing and technical justification, especially given the ongoing social, economic, and institutional crises in Peru.
- Which leftist groups have proposed legislative actions? The Socialist Bloc, Democratic Popular Block, and Juntos por el Perú-Voces del Pueblo have introduced multiple legislative proposals to reverse the salary hike.
- What justifications have Boluarte’s supporters provided for the salary increase? Supporters argue that Boluarte’s new salary should reflect her high-ranking position within the public sector, as outlined by the Constitution.
- What criticisms have leftist groups leveled against the salary increase? Critics from Podemos Perú and Bloque Democrático Popular have denounced the lack of technical justification and deemed the move politically inappropriate.
