LIMA, April 13, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Peru's Congress has dropped its graft probe of President Dina Boluarte, shielding her from impeachment over allegations she had accepted Rolex watches as bribes.

The subcommittee considering the accusations recommended on Friday that the case -- which further worsened the president's deep unpopularity -- be dismissed.

Boluarte, 62, could potentially still face charges when she leaves office in July 2026 and loses her presidential immunity.

The so-called Rolexgate scandal erupted in March 2024 with the discovery of a trove of undeclared luxury Rolex watches and jewelry in the president's possession.

Boluarte testified to prosecutors that the watches had been loaned by a friend, but the nation's attorney general submitted to Congress a formal accusation of bribery.

The president, whose approval rating is in the single digits, does not have or lead a party in Congress, but is backed by the ruling conservative parties.

She faces a separate probe over an unannounced two-week absence in 2023 for a nose surgery, which she insists was medical and not cosmetic, during which she did not delegate powers to someone else.

Peru suffers from chronic political instability and has had six presidents in the past eight years.

Boluarte took office in December 2022, replacing left-wing president Pedro Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned for unsuccessfully trying to dissolve Congress. She was his vice-president.

The next presidential and legislative elections will be held in April 2026.