Peru’s embattled President Dina Boluarte has sparked outrage after her government announced that she will double her monthly salary to $10,000, with just one year left in her term.
The controversial pay hike, confirmed by an official decree on Wednesday, comes amid rising public discontent over gang violence, economic hardship, and a record-low approval rating. In May, Boluarte’s approval was estimated at just 2 percent, making her one of the most unpopular leaders in Latin America.
Just weeks ago, the presidency denied reports suggesting the 63-year-old president was seeking a raise.
According to Economy Minister Raul Perez-Reyes, the decision was made after comparing presidential salaries across 12 Latin American countries, where Boluarte’s earnings had ranked second-to-last, only ahead of Bolivia’s leader.
But critics argue the timing couldn’t be worse.
“This is the worst time to announce this news, given her approval ratings are close to zero,” said economist Jorge Gonzáles Izquierdo on N television.
Former Economy Minister Luis Miguel Castilla echoed that sentiment, warning the decision “reinforces the impression of frivolity” surrounding the Boluarte administration.
The move has fueled further criticism of a presidency already facing mounting protests, corruption investigations, and calls for early elections.