Peru's Congress Advances Process That Could Oust President José Jerí
The Peruvian Congress has gathered enough signatures to initiate a debate on the removal and censure of President José Jerí amid ongoing political turmoil in the country.
The Congress of Peru has taken a significant step towards potentially removing President José Jerí by collecting sufficient signatures to commence discussions on censure and removal. The matter has been referred to the President of the Parliament, who is expected to convene an extraordinary session within 15 days. This move comes as Peru navigates through a prolonged political crisis, marked by instability and a high turnover of leadership over the past eight years, during which the nation has seen seven different presidents, with five resigning or being ousted.
José Jerí, who assumed the presidency in October 2025 after the ousting of Dina Boluarte, now faces scrutiny as he is under investigation for undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, which were not recorded in his official agenda. These clandestine meetings, reported to have occurred on December 26 and January 6, have led to criticisms regarding a lack of transparency and raised suspicions about possible irregularities. Such concerns are particularly significant given Yang's involvement in various businesses, including a project for energy concessions, which could imply potential conflicts of interest.
As the debate progresses, the political landscape in Peru remains unpredictable, with the population's trust in governmental institutions waning following years of corruption and abrupt leadership changes. The outcome of this congressional initiative could either lead to a new chapter in the political crisis or further complicate an already tumultuous situation, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in governance in Peru.