Peru Congress Removes Interim President Jeri After Four Months in Office
Peru’s political turmoil deepened as Congress voted to impeach interim President Jeri, just four months after he assumed office.
The 39-year-old leader faced allegations of irregularly hiring women into government positions and possible involvement in graft connected to a Chinese businessman. Prosecutors had launched an investigation into whether Jeri improperly influenced appointments. He has denied all wrongdoing.
Jeri took over in October following the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte, who was removed amid nationwide protests over corruption and rising organised crime. At the time, Jeri was serving as head of Peru’s unicameral parliament and was appointed to finish Boluarte’s term until July. He is constitutionally barred from contesting the upcoming April 12 presidential election.
The controversy intensified after an investigative report claimed multiple women were improperly appointed to roles in the president’s office and the environment ministry following meetings with Jeri. Prosecutors later suggested the number of irregular appointments could be higher than initially reported.
He is also under scrutiny for alleged “illegal sponsorship of interests” after a private meeting with a Chinese businessman with government ties.
Some analysts suggest the impeachment reflects rising political tensions ahead of elections, where more than 30 candidates are vying for the presidency. Right-wing Popular Renewal candidate Rafael López Aliaga had been among the most vocal critics calling for Jeri’s removal.
Congress will now elect a new parliamentary leader, who will automatically become interim president until July.
Peru has now had seven presidents since 2016, several of whom were removed, investigated, or convicted over corruption. The country continues to face escalating organised crime and extortion, with recent years seeing a sharp increase in cases and numerous fatalities, particularly among public transport workers targeted for protection payments.
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