Peru’s Congress Removes President Jose Jeri Amid Scandal
Just four months into his presidency, Peru’s President Jose Jeri was removed from office on Tuesday following a scandal involving undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessperson Zhihua Yang. The vote saw 75 lawmakers in favor of his removal, 24 against, and three abstaining. Jeri’s ousting marks the third consecutive removal of a Peruvian president, reflecting the deepening political volatility in the country.
The meeting with Yang, which was filmed at a restaurant last month, was not disclosed to the public and sparked outrage. It was later dubbed “Chifagate” after the Chinese restaurant where the encounter took place. Jeri’s actions led to accusations of influence-peddling and secret dealings that fueled the legislature’s decision to remove him.
The decision has fueled frustration across the nation, where citizens continue to demand solutions to issues such as rising crime and government corruption. “We want a transition that prioritizes public interest and security, not one marred by hidden interests and clandestine meetings,” said Ruth Luque, one of the lawmakers supporting the censure.
The political chaos is set to continue as Peru’s Congress will now elect a new head of Congress, who will automatically assume the presidency. This move will make Jeri the country’s third president to be removed within the past year.
The timing of the removal has raised concerns about the motivations behind it, with analysts warning that legislators are more focused on electoral strategies than addressing the country’s pressing issues. “There are no lofty ideals here, only political calculations,” said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue.
Jeri, who became president in October after Congress ousted his predecessor Dina Boluarte, has said he will respect the vote’s outcome. However, the process of electing a new president has underscored the instability that continues to plague the Andean nation. Peru is set to hold elections on April 12, though recent polls show that a large portion of the electorate remains undecided.
Despite the political turmoil, Peru’s economy, driven by its mining sector, has shown resilience, with a 3.4% growth in 2025 and low inflation of 1.7%. This economic stability stands in stark contrast to the political unrest that has dominated the country’s leadership.
