Peru Political Crisis Deepens as President Jerí Is Ousted
Peru's Presidential Crisis Deepens with Jerí's Removal
Peru's Congress voted to remove President José Jerí from office on Tuesday, censuring him over corruption allegations in a scandal dubbed "Chifa-gate." The 39-year-old leader faced allegations of undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, who holds government contracts. Lawmakers voted 75-24 to oust Jerí, who had assumed the presidency just four months earlier following his predecessor's dismissal.
A Pattern of Political Instability
Jerí's removal marks Peru's seventh presidential change in nine years, reflecting the nation's severe political fragmentation. Since 2016, only two of seven presidents were elected; the rest assumed office through impeachments or resignations. Congress, currently holding just 4% approval among Peruvians, can impeach presidents without trial if deemed "morally unfit," creating structural vulnerabilities to politically motivated ousters.
Looking Ahead
A new congressional head will assume the presidency until July 2026, when April's election winner takes office. The recurring instability threatens Peru's governance and democratic legitimacy as the nation faces mounting corruption investigations and institutional dysfunction.
```About the People Mentioned
José Jerí
**José Enrique Jerí Oré**, born on November 13, 1986, in Lima's Jesús María district, is a Peruvian lawyer and politician serving as interim President of Peru since October 10, 2025.[1][2][5] He graduated with a law degree, with sources citing Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University or Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, and early in his career advised the right-wing Somos Perú party.[4][5] Jerí entered politics by winning a seat in the Peruvian Congress in the 2021 elections, representing Lima as a substitute for former President Martín Vizcarra from the same party.[1][2] On July 26, 2025, he was elected President of Congress, supported by a coalition that had backed Dina Boluarte.[1][2] Following Boluarte's impeachment by Congress amid scandals, low approval ratings under 10%, and public outrage over crime and a deadly 2022 crackdown, Jerí ascended to the presidency as Peru's seventh (or eighth, per some counts) leader in less than a decade, marking ongoing institutional instability.[1][2][3][4] His notable roles include congressional lawmaker, where he backed six bills critics say weakened anti-crime measures, and Congress president before his rapid rise.[3] Key achievements are limited by his short tenure and novice status; upon swearing in at age 38—one of the world's youngest leaders—he pledged reconciliation, tackling rampant crime, and electoral neutrality ahead of April 2026 elections, through which he will serve out Boluarte's term ending July 28, 2026.[2][6] Jerí faces controversy, including a January 2025 sexual assault accusation shelved without explanation by prosecutors (which he denied) and early career bribery claims.[1][2] Recent events highlight protests against his ultraconservative Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez appointment, youth-led unrest over corruption and crime policies, and demands for his resignation amid clashes with police using tear gas and rubber bullets.[3] As of late 2025, he seeks expanded powers to fight crime while navigating a polarized nation.[3] (298 words)
About the Organizations Mentioned
Peru's Congress
Peru’s Congress, officially known as the Congress of the Republic, is the country’s legislative body and a central institution in its presidential system. Historically, Peru operated under a bicameral legislature until 1993, when President Alberto Fujimori’s reforms established a unicameral system. In March 2024, Congress voted to revert to a bicameral structure, marking a significant institutional shift. The new system will feature a Chamber of Deputies (at least 130 members) and a Senate (at least 60 members), both elected for five-year terms with immediate re-election permitted. The first elections under this new structure are scheduled for April 2026. Congress is responsible for drafting, debating, and passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch. The Senate will have specific powers, including appointing key officials such as the presidents of the Central Reserve Bank and the Court of Auditors, and providing final approval on legislation. The bicameral reform aims to enhance legislative scrutiny and balance, though it comes amid ongoing concerns about political stability and institutional integrity. Peru’s Congress has been a focal point of political turbulence, with frequent conflicts between the executive and legislative branches, leading to the impeachment or resignation of several presidents since 2016. The institution has also faced criticism for undermining judicial independence and weakening democratic norms, with a significant number of its members under investigation for corruption. Despite these challenges, Congress remains a powerful actor in shaping Peru’s political and economic landscape. For business and technology stakeholders, Congress’s decisions on regulatory frameworks, investment policies, and digital governance are crucial. The bicameral reform could potentially lead to more thorough legislative review, but its impact will depend on the ability of lawmakers to foster transparency and accountability in a context of deep-seated political instability.
