LIMA, Peru - In a five-hour-long interrogation session, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte faced questioning from prosecutors on Friday as they delve into allegations of illicit enrichment and failure to declare assets. The investigation revolves around claims that Boluarte received large sums of cash, luxury watches, and jewelry through suspicious means.

Following the interrogation, Boluarte made a discreet exit from the prosecutor's office in a vehicle with tinted windows, flanked by a heavy police presence. The details of her testimony and the nature of the meeting were not disclosed by either Boluarte or the prosecutors.

Chaos unfolded earlier in the day as opposing groups of protesters congregated near the building, eagerly waiting for Boluarte to emerge. Some supporters carried signs in a display of solidarity, while others vehemently condemned the embattled president, demanding her removal from office. Riot police were deployed to disperse the dissenting protesters with the use of tear gas.

The scandal, which has quickly gained traction on social media under the name "Rolexgate," originated after Boluarte was spotted wearing a Rolex watch worth up to $14,000. Further investigations revealed that she had also been seen sporting additional Rolexes and an estimated $54,000 gold and diamond Cartier bracelet. In Peru, officials are required to declare jewelry exceeding the value of $2,791, raising questions about the origin of these luxury items and the source of extensive bank transfers amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Boluarte, whose popularity stands at a mere 14% according to a recent survey, has provided limited information regarding the questionable transactions and jewelry, all of which she failed to report to authorities. The president has defended herself by stating that the initially showcased Rolex was the product of her hard work since the age of 18.

The unfolding scandal marks another turbulent episode in Peru's already troubled political landscape. The investigation into Boluarte's undeclared assets has now expanded, with the prosecutor's office suspecting there may be even more undisclosed holdings than initially suspected. The estimated value of Boluarte's unreported jewelry, including the Cartier bracelet and watches, is believed to be as high as $500,000, while undisclosed bank deposits totaling over $400,000 have also come under scrutiny.

Late on Friday, armed police officers forcibly entered Boluarte's residence in a search for the elusive watches but came up empty-handed. They subsequently moved on to search the presidential palace, but their efforts proved fruitless. It is worth noting that this raid on the home of a sitting president is a first in the history of Peru.

Despite the mounting evidence and widespread public disapproval, Boluarte is unlikely to face immediate consequences. Sitting presidents in Peru are immune from criminal charges while in office, and Congress is reluctant to initiate impeachment proceedings. Boluarte's alliance with a coalition of congressional leaders further strengthens her grip on power until 2026, causing concerns about the erosion of democracy in the country.

As Peru continues to grapple with political instability, with six presidents in six years, the fate of President Boluarte remains uncertain. Analysts predict that, in the short term, she is unlikely to face significant repercussions. However, the ongoing investigation and public outcry may add further headwinds to her already embattled presidency.

Peru's tumultuous political landscape coupled with the "Rolexgate" scandal has thrust the nation into a state of uncertainty, leaving many questioning the future of the country's leadership.