(Corrects to three ex-leaders currently behind bars in paragraph, not four; removes reference to 104 votes needed in coming vote)
By Marco Aquino and Sarah Morland
LIMA (Reuters) -Peru's Congress voted on Thursday in favor of debating the impeachment of President Dina Boluarte, among the world's most unpopular leaders, in a late-night session called hours after political blocs from across the spectrum called for her removal.
Boluarte, 63, is deeply disliked, with approval ratings between 2% and 4%, following accusations she has illicitly profited from her office and is responsible for lethal crackdowns on protests in favor of her predecessor.
She denies any wrongdoing.
Should she be removed from her post, it would continue a revolving door of leaders in the Andean nation, which has had six presidents since 2018. Three ex-leaders are currently behind bars.
Earlier on Thursday, lawmakers from across the political spectrum presented four motions to remove Boluarte, the latest in a series of so far unsuccessful motions that come as the country prepares for elections next April.
Separate votes on the four motions gathered between 108 and 115 votes in favor - more than double the 52 votes that were required to move forward with the debate. At least 87 votes will ultimately be needed to impeach her.
Lawmakers then voted to summon the president to defend herself before Congress an hour later at 11.30 p.m. (0430 GMT).
The latest push to remove Boluarte is notable for the participation of conservative parties that have historically supported her. These include Rafael Lopez's Popular Renewal and Keiko Fujimori's Popular Force. Both political heavyweights are expected to stand for president in 2026.
"The only way of moving forwards is Dina Boluarte's impeachment," Congresswoman Susel Paredes said in a post on X. "Various blocs agree and that's why the motion has now been presented."
A HISTORY OF TURMOIL
Should Boluarte leave before her term ends next July, she is expected to be succeeded by the head of Peru's also deeply unpopular Congress, Jose Jeri. Peru does not currently have a vice president.
She came to power in December 2022 as her predecessor President Pedro Castillo, under whom she had served as vice president, was ousted and arrested after he attempted to dissolve Congress.
Castillo's removal was met with months of widespread, deadly protests particularly in rural Andean and Indigenous communities, and rights groups have accused Boluarte's government of using excessive force to repress the protests.
She also became embroiled in allegations of illicit enrichment involving undeclared assets and Rolex watches. In July, she decided to double her salary.
(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Kylie Madry, Bill Berkrot, Christian Schmollinger and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
