Peru's Congress ousts President José Jeri
Peru's President José Jeri was removed from office by Congress after just four months amid a scandal involving undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman.
José Jeri, the recently ousted president of Peru, was removed from his position by Congress after only four months in office, marking yet another instance in the country's troubled political landscape. His dismissal follows allegations of undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman, leading to significant controversy and public discontent. This event underscores a recurring theme in Peruvian politics, characterized by instability and the frequent replacement of leaders.
The vote for Jeri's ouster was decisive, with 75 members of Congress supporting the motion while only 24 opposed it, and three abstained. His removal makes him the third consecutive president to be ousted from office in Peru, highlighting a concerning trend for a nation that has seen eight different presidents in just eight years. Following this political upheaval, Congress is tasked with selecting a new congressional president, who will concurrently assume the presidency of Peru as general elections are scheduled for April 12.
Realistically, Jeri's resignation and the ongoing instability may contribute to further electoral volatility in Peru. The incident, dubbed “Chifagate” after a local term for Chinese restaurants, began with Jeri's secretive late-night visit to a restaurant and could have broader implications for both domestic governance and foreign relations, particularly with China. As the country prepares for elections, public sentiment may influence the direction of future leadership and policies aimed at addressing the issues that led to Jeri's quick removal.