Peru Ousts Interim President José Jerí Amid Corruption Scandal

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

LIMA (Worthy News) – Peru faced political upheaval Wednesday as lawmakers moved to install a new head of state after Congress voted to remove interim President José Jerí from office amid mounting scandals.

The decision came just four months after he assumed power and followed growing controversy over his failure to disclose private meetings with Chinese businessmen.

Jerí was removed in a 75–24 vote, with three abstentions — well above the 58 votes required for impeachment. Lawmakers cited misconduct in office and lack of suitability to serve as grounds for his ouster.

“The board declares the presidency of the Republic vacant,” acting congressional chief Fernando Rospigliosi announced after the vote.

SEVENTH LEADER FORCED OUT

Jerí becomes Peru’s seventh head of state in the past 10 years to be forced from office, underscoring the South American nation’s prolonged institutional instability since 2016.

Under the constitution, Congress was scheduled to elect a new legislative chief at 6:00 p.m. local time Wednesday. That person will automatically assume the interim presidency of the country of an estimated 34 million people until July 28, when a newly elected leader — chosen in the April 12 general election — is sworn in.

Four lawmakers registered as candidates for the congressional leadership, including María del Carmen Alva, a former head of Congress widely viewed as a leading contender.

As of Wednesday evening, Congress had not formally confirmed Jerí’s replacement.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO MEETINGS

Jerí, 39, was serving as head of Congress when he replaced former President Dina Boluarte in October after she was impeached.

His presidency unraveled after surveillance footage showed him attending undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Yang Zhihua while wearing a hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. The scandal — dubbed “Chifagate” by local media — prompted a preliminary investigation into alleged influence-peddling.

“I have not committed any crime. I have full moral sufficiency to exercise the presidency of the Republic,” Jerí said in a televised interview before the vote.

Lawmakers were unconvinced. “He has disappointed Congress by the mistakes he has made. Congress was wrong to choose him, and we can correct the error,” legislator Jorge Marticorena said during the debate.

Jerí is also under investigation for allegedly intervening in the hiring of several women for government posts following late-night meetings at the presidential palace — accusations he denies.

CHRISTIAN LEADERS ASK TRANSPARENCY

Peru, a historically Roman Catholic nation with a growing evangelical Protestant minority, has in recent years seen repeated calls from church leaders for greater transparency, press freedom, and ethical leadership amid recurring political scandals.

Christian leaders have also frequently warned that corruption and institutional instability undermine public trust and disproportionately harm the country’s poor and vulnerable populations.

More than 30 candidates have registered for April’s presidential race, reflecting deep political fragmentation. Analysts say the upcoming elections likely accelerated the impeachment process.

However, “Having another change in the presidency will not resolve the country’s deep institutional crisis,” political analyst Augusto Álvarez warned amid continuing questions about stability.

Latest Worthy News