Peru: The parliament removed the interim president José Geri
The Peruvian parliament has dismissed interim president José Geri amid corruption allegations weeks before the presidential elections.
The Peruvian parliament has voted to remove interim president José Geri from office due to ongoing investigations regarding unlawful influence, just weeks ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for April 12. Geri, who took office on October 10 following the ousting of Dina Boluarte, was expected to serve until the new president was sworn in after the forthcoming elections. His dismissal adds to the political instability that has plagued Peru, following a wave of protests against Boluarte's presidency, which was also marked by corruption allegations.
José Geri is now the seventh head of state in Peru to face removal due to corruption-related accusations in just a decade. The specific charges against him include irregular hiring practices within his administration and allegations of involvement in a corruption case linked to a Chinese businessman. Under the constitutional provisions, Geri is barred from running in the upcoming elections, exacerbating concerns about the integrity of the political process in Peru, as public trust continues to erode amid these controversies.
The dismissal of Geri highlights the ongoing struggle within Peruvian politics as the nation grapples with a profound crisis of governance, characterized by rampant corruption and instability. As the April elections approach, there are significant implications for the political landscape, including the potential for further protests and unrest. The situation calls for urgent political reform and a restoration of public confidence in leadership as voters prepare to head to the polls.