Peru dismisses its interim president two months before elections and deepens the crisis

The Congress of Peru on Tuesday dismissed interim president José Jerí, who had been in office for just four months, after a preliminary investigation was opened against him for alleged corruption linked to unreported meetings with Chinese businessmen.

With 75 votes in favor, 24 against and three abstentions, Parliament removed the president, deepening the political instability that the Andean country has been going through since 2018.

AN EXIT IN THE MIDDLE OF SUSPICION

In January, the prosecutor’s office opened an investigation against Jerí for not officially reporting meetings with two Chinese businessmen. Added to this were questions about alleged irregular hiring and private meetings in his office with young women who were later incorporated into his team.

Security images also circulated showing him with his face covered during private meetings, a fact for which he offered a public apology.

Jerí denied having committed any irregularities. Before assuming the presidency, he had faced an accusation for alleged sexual assault, which was filed by the prosecutor’s office.

HIS RISE AND FALL

Jerí, 39 years old and with a conservative profile, came to power on October 10 after the dismissal of Dina Boluarte (2022-2025), in the midst of a crisis marked by the increase in crime.

Until then he was president of Congress and, according to the line of succession, he had to take over the Executive in the absence of vice presidents. His mandate was accompanied by a “hard line” speech against crime, inspired by the style of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.

His departure was as dizzying as his rise: he entered Congress in 2021 as a substitute for former President Martín Vizcarra, and in a few years he went from little-known legislator to head of the Legislature and then interim head of state.

A COUNTRY IN A CYCLE OF INSTABILITY

The dismissal occurs just two months before the presidential elections on April 12 and makes Jerí the fourth president removed by Parliament since 2018. In that period, Peru has had seven presidents: four dismissed, two resigned due to possible vacancy processes and only one completed the interim mandate.

After the vote, conservative legislator Fernando Rospigliosi – second in line of succession – formalized the presidential vacancy, but anticipated that he will not take office.

Now Congress must elect a new interim president from among its members, who will govern until July 28, when power is handed over to the winner of the elections.

ELECTIONS UNDER POLITICAL SHADOW

The new crisis leaves the country in a scenario of institutional uncertainty in the final stretch towards the elections. The constant succession of presidents has weakened public trust and placed Congress at the center of the debate over the balance of powers.

Meanwhile, Jerí will return to his legislative seat until the installation of the new Parliament in July, in a context where the fight against corruption and democratic stability continue to be pending issues.