Lima: Peru has entered another period of political uncertainty after Congress voted to remove President José Jeri from office, only four months after he assumed leadership.
Lawmakers voted by a clear majority to oust Jeri following revelations that he held undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman who has business interests under state scrutiny. The meetings, some of which were recorded, triggered public outrage and raised concerns about transparency and possible influence peddling.
Congress did not pursue a full impeachment process. Instead, it used a censure mechanism that required only a simple majority. The vote removed Jeri from his role as head of Congress, which automatically stripped him of the presidency under Peru’s constitutional system.
Prosecutors are now examining whether the meetings were linked to corruption or improper lobbying. Jeri has denied wrongdoing, saying the encounters were informal and cultural in nature.
Jeri, aged 39, was one of the youngest heads of state in the world. He became president in October 2025 after Congress removed his predecessor, Dina Boluarte. His short tenure was marked by weak political support and growing opposition.
With Jeri removed, Congress must elect a new leader who will assume the presidency on an interim basis until the general election scheduled for April 12, 2026. Acting congressional leader Fernando Rospigliosi has declined to take the position, and lawmakers are expected to vote soon on a replacement.
Peru has faced repeated leadership crises in recent years, with several presidents removed, impeached, or forced to resign. The latest removal is expected to deepen public frustration over corruption, crime, and political instability ahead of the upcoming elections.
Despite the political turmoil, analysts say Peru’s mining based economy remains stable. However, the scandal has renewed debate over foreign business influence and governance standards in the country.
The coming weeks will be critical as Peru prepares for elections while attempting to restore public trust in its political institutions.