The Peruvian Congress has taken decisive action by approving seven motions of censure against José Jerí, the Interim President and President of Congress, amidst allegations of corruption. The decision came after 75 Congress members voted to remove Jerí from office, while 24 opposed and three abstained from the vote. This impeachment affects both his roles, necessitating elections to replace him, scheduled for February 18, as outlined in Article 12 of the Rules of Procedure of Congress.
Jerí’s political downfall was triggered by revelations of unregistered meetings with Chinese businessmen Zhihua Yang and Ji Wu Xiaodong at the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026. These businessmen were under investigation for corruption, organized crime, and illegal economic activities. Although Jerí offered explanations in the media about these meetings, his statements were deemed inconsistent and led to further scrutiny by Congress. Supporters of his impeachment also criticized him for failing to tackle escalating crime rates in Peru.
José Jerí’s presidency began in October 2025 after Dina Boluarte was removed for “moral incapacity,” following Article 113 of the constitution. Boluarte herself had succeeded Pedro Castillo, impeached in December 2022 for his attempt to dissolve Congress and establish an emergency government in what was perceived as a “self-coup.” This tumultuous period in Peruvian politics highlights ongoing challenges including corruption, political instability, and civil unrest [JURIST].
Peru has been grappling with a decade of political upheaval, marked by successive impeachments and resignations. The backdrop of this instability includes governmental corruption, rising violence, and public demonstrations. The upcoming presidential election on April 12 is seen by many as a critical juncture that could pave the way for restoring political stability in the country.
The removal of José Jerí underscores the ongoing political crisis in Peru. Analysts suggest that this situation exemplifies the volatility plaguing the nation’s leadership and governance, further compounded by socioeconomic challenges. With elections on the horizon, there is cautious optimism that new leadership could address these persistent issues and bring the stability that has eluded Peru for so long.