By Blessing Nweke
Peru’s Congress voted Tuesday to remove President José Jerí just four months into his term, intensifying a prolonged period of political instability in the Andean nation.
Lawmakers voted 75 in favor of ousting Jerí, with 24 against and three abstentions. The move makes him Peru’s third consecutive president to be forced from office and paves the way for the country’s eighth leader in as many years.
Jerí’s removal follows a scandal dubbed “Chifagate,” sparked by footage showing him arriving late at night, wearing a hood, to meet Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang at a restaurant. The meeting was not publicly disclosed and fueled allegations of influence-peddling. Yang owns retail stores and holds a concession linked to an energy project.
Unlike impeachment proceedings, which require 87 votes in the 130-member legislature, Congress used a censure mechanism requiring only a simple majority, stripping Jerí of his role as head of Congress — a position that had elevated him to the presidency after the ouster of Dina Boluarte in October.
Jerí said he would respect the outcome of the vote.
Lawmakers will now elect a new head of Congress, who will automatically assume the presidency ahead of scheduled elections on April 12. Current congressional leader Fernando Rospigliosi declined to take the post, prompting a fresh vote.
Analysts say the rapid leadership changes reflect electoral maneuvering rather than principled governance. Despite the upheaval, Peru’s mining-driven economy has remained steady, posting 3.4% growth in 2025 with inflation at 1.7%, largely insulated from the political crisis.
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