Peru’s Congress Removes Interim President José Jerí in Light of Corruption Scandal
Peru’s Congress has removed interim President José Jerí due to his failure to reveal meetings with Chinese businessmen.
Peru’s Congress has dismissed interim President José Jerí just four months into his term due to his failure to disclose meetings with Chinese businessmen, marking the country’s third consecutive presidential removal in recent months.
The controversy, referred to as “Chifa-gate,” emerged last month when videos appeared depicting Jerí meeting multiple times outside his official agenda with businessman Zhihua Yang, who was being investigated by the government. Footage from security cameras allegedly shows Jerí in a hooded top during a late-night visit to one of Yang’s restaurants, accompanied by another Chinese citizen who is currently under house arrest.
Jerí apologized for the meetings while maintaining his innocence, alleging that his political opponents were orchestrating a public smear campaign against him. Lawmakers had originally intended to address impeachment; however, they chose to pursue censure instead, a parliamentary procedure that necessitates only a simple majority for the removal of a president, in contrast to the supermajority required for impeachment.
Jerí, having taken office as the head of Congress after the impeachment of Dina Boluarte in October 2025, was not chosen by the electorate. His removal marks the seventh president since 2016, amidst the ongoing political turbulence in Peru.
The interim president will hold office solely until a general election in April, at which point Peruvians will select a new leader. Ruth Luque, a lawmaker advocating for Jerí’s censure, stated, “We request the conclusion of this suffering so we can genuinely establish the transition that citizens are yearning for.” “Not a transition characterized by concealed motives, manipulation, clandestine gatherings, and shadowy individuals.” We are not in favor of that kind of transition.
Jerí encountered increasing pressure as the attorney general initiated a corruption investigation, coinciding with a significant decline in his approval ratings. His short presidency was characterized by violent protests led by young Peruvians who called for more decisive measures against crime and corruption; tragically, one individual lost their life and over 100 were injured within just a week of his term beginning.
The ousting of Jerí highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, as the country gears up for its forthcoming general election amidst widespread demands for transparent governance and accountability.
