Peru’s Congress has voted to impeach interim president Jose Jeri, marking yet another leadership shake-up in a country that has now had seven heads of state in less than a decade.
Jeri, 39, was removed from office on Tuesday over allegations of irregular government appointments involving several women, as well as suspected corruption linked to a Chinese businessman. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Allegations and Investigation
Prosecutors recently launched a probe to determine “whether the head of state exercised undue influence” in public sector appointments.
The controversy intensified after investigative TV programme Cuarto Poder reported that five women were allegedly given positions in the president’s office and the environment ministry after meeting with Jeri. Prosecutors later stated that the number under scrutiny was nine.
Jeri is also being investigated for alleged “illegal sponsorship of interests” following a private meeting with a Chinese businessman who has commercial dealings with the government.
Political Turmoil Continues
Jeri assumed office in October after the impeachment of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, who was ousted amid anti-corruption protests and rising violence tied to organised crime.
At the time, Jeri was serving as head of Peru’s unicameral Congress and was appointed to complete Boluarte’s term, which runs until July. He was constitutionally barred from running in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 12.
Some analysts suggest that political maneuvering may have played a role in Jeri’s removal, especially with elections just weeks away and more than 30 candidates — a record number — contesting the presidency.
Rafael Lopez Aliaga, candidate of the right-wing Popular Renewal party and current frontrunner in opinion polls, was among the most vocal critics calling for Jeri’s impeachment.
Who Takes Over?
Congress is expected to elect a new parliamentary leader on Wednesday. Under Peru’s constitution, the president of Congress automatically assumes the role of interim president until the end of the current term in July.
Among the four lawmakers registered for the vote is Maria del Carmen Alva, a former Congress president from the Popular Action party. Other contenders include left-wing lawmaker José Balcázar, socialist veteran Edgar Raymundo, and Héctor Acuña, whose party has faced corruption allegations.
Political analyst Augusto Alvarez told AFP that “It will be difficult to find a replacement with political legitimacy in the current Congress, with evidence of mediocrity and strong suspicion of widespread corruption.”
A Pattern of Instability
Peru’s political landscape has been marked by chronic instability. Since 2016, seven presidents have taken office, with several impeached, investigated or convicted on corruption-related charges.
At the same time, the country is grappling with a surge in organised crime and extortion. Over the past two years, reported extortion cases have increased more than tenfold — from 2,396 incidents to over 25,000 in 2025. Bus drivers have been among the hardest hit, with some reportedly attacked for refusing to pay protection money.
Jeri’s impeachment underscores the deep-rooted governance challenges facing the South American nation as it heads toward another pivotal election.
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