Peruvian Congress Ousts Interim President José Jerí After Four Months

The Congress of Peru voted to remove interim President José Jerí after only four months in office, marking the eighth presidential change in nearly a decade of political instability. Jerí was ousted amid investigations into clandestine meetings with Chinese state contractors and alleged irregularities in hiring officials.

Key points

• The removal passed with 75 votes in favor, 24 against, and 3 abstentions.
• Jerí assumed the presidency following the October removal of President Dina Boluarte (2022-2025).
• The investigation leading to his censure involved meetings with Chinese businessmen, including one where Jerí was seen wearing a hood and dark glasses.
• The conservative parties that initially backed Jerí withdrew their support due to his declining popularity and ongoing investigations for influence peddling.
• The Fujimorista party (Fuerza Popular) was the only bloc to maintain support for Jerí.
• A new Congress president will be chosen on February 18 to serve as the interim head of state until the elected president takes office on July 28.

Why it matters

This event continues Peru's pattern of rapid presidential turnover, highlighting deep political instability less than two months before general elections scheduled for April.

Confidence: 100