The president of Peru requests to testify before Congress in light of a scandal involving meetings with a Chinese businessman
The public prosecutor is looking into a fresh political crisis that is sweeping Peru, and Peruvian President Jose Jeri has requested to go before Congress to “clarify” talks he had with a Chinese businessman outside of his official agenda.
Jeri, who took office in October following the removal of former President Dina Boluarte, wrote to Congress on Tuesday asking to attend the next day’s hearings with the legislative oversight committee that is also looking into him.
According to Jeri’s letter, which Reuters was able to view, the request “is made in light of the country’s need for matters of public interest to be clarified with transparency and responsibility.”
A meeting with the president was later announced by Elvis Vergara, the chairman of the congressional oversight committee.
Since 2018, seven presidents have resigned or been fired, leaving Peru in the midst of a protracted political crisis.
Jeri was criticized for his lack of openness and possible corruption due to his meetings with businessman Zhihua Yang, who owns commercial stores and a concession for an energy project, and his inability to make these meetings publicly known as part of his agenda. In Peru, the official schedule usually includes the president’s meetings.
Local media reported that Jeri saw Zhihua Yang on December 26 and January 6.
According to the local polling company CPI, Jeri’s popularity dropped to 44% in January, but opposition MPs have stated that they will file a resolution to impeach or condemn the 39-year-old.
‘FRIENDLY’ SPEAK
Jeri apologized publicly in a recorded message on Sunday for the first encounter, which took place over dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Lima. He denied receiving a “irregular request” to meet, saying instead that he traveled to organize the celebration of another anniversary of friendship between Peru and China.
“I admit my mistake,” he said. “And I publicly apologize for entering the meeting with the businessman the way I did, hidden, and for that, giving rise to suspicions and doubts about my behavior,” Jeri continued.
Jeri’s apology was followed by the public announcement of a second meeting with Zhihua Yang, whose company has been suspended by Lima authorities for selling illegal goods.
On Monday evening, Zhihua Yang’s lawyer informed radio station RPP that the contacts were a “friendly meeting in which President Jeri broke some protocols.”
Despite the fact that a censure of Jeri needs fewer votes than impeachment (87 out of 130), political analysts have stated that his removal is unlikely.
Analysts predict that two-thirds of Peru’s MPs, who are running for reelection, will choose stability ahead of the general elections in April.
