The political landscape in Peru continues to shift dramatically as interim President José Jerí was removed from office amid corruption allegations. This decision reflects the country’s ongoing political crisis, particularly with the presidential and congressional elections just around the corner in April.
Jerí is currently under investigation for corruption and influence peddling linked to undisclosed meetings with Chinese executives.
In a decisive legislative vote, 75 members supported his removal, while 24 opposed it and three abstained. Jerí had assumed the presidency on October 10, following the ousting of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, during a spike in violent crime in the nation.
This latest political upheaval adds to Peru’s history of instability, having experienced seven presidents since 2016. The upcoming general election is highly anticipated, particularly amid increasing public frustration surrounding violent crime.
Following Jerí’s dismissal, lawmakers will vote on a new interim president from among their ranks, who will serve until the election winner on July 28. Until then, Jerí will return to his role as a legislator.
Legislators will register their presidential candidates ahead of a vote scheduled for Wednesday.
The allegations against Jerí involve a leaked document detailing a confidential meeting last December with two Chinese executives—one of whom is linked to government contracts while the other is being investigated for alleged illegal logging.
People protest against Peruvian President Jose Jeri outside the location where lawmakers are debating his removal in Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. The sign reads in Spanish “President Jose Jeri, traitor, immoral, rapist of women,” referring to a rape accusation case against the president that was dismissed by the prosecutor’s office in August 2025. (AP Photo/Gerardo Marin)
Jerí has denied any misconduct, asserting that his interactions with the Chinese executives were to organize a Peruvian-Chinese festival. Nevertheless, accusations of corruption persist against him.
Despite the instability in leadership, Peru’s economy has remained relatively steady. The country recorded a public debt to GDP ratio of 32% in 2024, one of the lowest in Latin America, while remaining open to foreign investment in sectors such as mining and infrastructure.
As Peru prepares for the upcoming general election, conservative businessman Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a former mayor of Lima, is currently leading a field that includes notable figures such as Keiko Fujimori, a prominent ex-legislator and daughter of a past president. In the event no candidate secures 50% of the votes, a runoff will occur in June between the top two candidates.
Over the past decade, lawmakers have gained significant influence over the executive branch, frequently using corruption probes to remove presidents who struggle to secure a congressional majority.
A constitutional provision enabling the removal of presidents deemed “morally incapable” has been broadly interpreted, leading to its repeated application in ousting presidents.
Boluarte, Jerí’s predecessor, served nearly three years and faced violent protests resulting in multiple fatalities. Ultimately, she was removed by lawmakers citing moral incapacity, emphasizing the issues of high crime and corruption scandals under her leadership.
Pedro Castillo, a leftist union leader, was similarly ousted in late 2022 after he attempted to dissolve Congress to evade anti-corruption proceedings. He was later sentenced to 11 years in prison for his actions against the country’s institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Peru’s interim President José Jerí has been removed amid corruption allegations just weeks before elections.
- This event adds to a history of political turmoil, with seven presidents since 2016.
- Lawmakers will elect a new interim president until the next elections on July 28.
- Jerí faces accusations related to undisclosed meetings with Chinese executives.
- Peru’s economy remains stable despite political instability, with low public debt ratios.
FAQ
What led to President José Jerí’s removal?
Jerí was removed due to ongoing corruption allegations connected to undisclosed meetings with Chinese executives.
When will the new president be elected?
The new president is expected to be elected on April 12 in the upcoming general elections.
What is the significance of the “morally incapable” clause in the constitution?
This clause has been used to remove presidents, allowing lawmakers to interpret moral incapacity broadly as a reason for ousting them.
Who was Jerí’s predecessor?
Dina Boluarte was Jerí’s predecessor and she was removed on similar grounds of moral incapacity.
This ongoing political saga continues to capture public attention in Peru as the nation grapples with the implications of its leadership crises.
