Peru Congress Ousts Interim President Jose Jeri After Four Months
Peru faces another political shake-up as Congress impeaches interim president
- Interim President Jose Jeri impeached after four months over alleged irregular appointments and graft.
- Congress to elect a new leader, who will serve as interim president until April elections.
- Political tensions rise ahead of elections with over 30 candidates in the race, highlighting ongoing instability.
Peru’s Congress voted on Tuesday to impeach interim President Jose Jeri, marking the country’s seventh leadership change in a decade. The 39-year-old leader faced allegations of irregular government hiring practices and suspected graft involving a Chinese businessman.
Jeri assumed office last October following the ouster of Dina Boluarte, who was removed amid public protests over corruption and organized crime-related violence. Prosecutors had launched an investigation into whether Jeri exercised undue influence in government appointments, allegations he denies.
During his brief tenure, claims surfaced—highlighted by investigative program Cuarto Poder—that several women were improperly given positions in the president’s office and the Ministry of Environment. Authorities later confirmed nine women were appointed under questionable circumstances. Jeri is also under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating “illegal sponsorship of interests” after a private meeting with a Chinese businessman with government ties.
Observers suggest political maneuvering may have influenced Jeri’s impeachment, coming just weeks before elections in which over 30 candidates are competing. Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a leading right-wing candidate, had been vocal in demanding Jeri’s removal.
Following the impeachment, Congress will elect a new parliament president on Wednesday, who will serve as Peru’s interim president until elections on 12 April. Four candidates are in the running, including former Congress president Maria del Carmen Alva, left-wing lawmaker Jose Balcazar, veteran socialist Edgar Raymundo, and Hector Acuna of a party with a corruption-tainted history.
Jeri’s removal underscores ongoing political instability in Peru, as the nation prepares for its upcoming elections and continues to grapple with institutional crises.
