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Peru ousts interim leader José Jerí amid corruption allegations
Peru's Congress voted Wednesday to remove interim President José Jerí from office, citing his failure to disclose meetings with Chinese business figures under government scrutiny. The move marks the third consecutive presidential ousting in the country since October 2025.
Undisclosed meetings spark scandal
The controversy, dubbed "Chifa-gate," erupted last month after security footage revealed Jerí holding multiple off-the-record meetings with businessman Zhihua Yang, who owns several companies and secured a state energy contract. One video showed Jerí wearing a hooded sweatshirt during a late-night visit to a restaurant owned by Yang.
Peruvian law mandates that presidents document all official engagements. Jerí, however, did not record these encounters, which also included a Chinese national under house arrest for alleged ties to illegal logging operations.
Congress opts for censure over impeachment
Lawmakers initially planned to impeach Jerí but ultimately pursued a censure motion, which required only a simple majority rather than the two-thirds supermajority needed for impeachment. The vote concluded Wednesday, ending Jerí's four-month tenure.
Jerí had previously apologized for the meetings but denied wrongdoing, accusing political rivals of orchestrating a "smear campaign." His removal follows the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte in October 2025, making him the seventh Peruvian leader to leave office since 2016.
Criticism mounts over secretive dealings
Jerí faced additional scrutiny after reports emerged that state contracts were awarded to women following late-night meetings with him at the presidential palace. His approval ratings plummeted as a corruption investigation launched by the attorney general intensified.
"We ask to end this agony so we can truly create the transition citizens are hoping for. Not a transition with hidden interests, influence-peddling, secret meetings, and hooded figures," said lawmaker Ruth Luque, who supported the censure measure.
Reuters
Protests and political instability persist
Less than a week after Jerí took office, nationwide protests erupted, with young Peruvians demanding stronger action against crime and corruption. The demonstrations left one person dead and over 100 injured.
Congress will appoint a new interim president later Wednesday, who will serve until April's general election. The vote aims to restore stability after years of political turmoil, though analysts warn the cycle of instability may continue.
Correction note
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that José Jerí had been impeached. The text has been updated to clarify that he was removed via a congressional censure motion.
