Peru’s Congress has removed interim President José Jerí just four months into his tenure over his failure to disclose meetings with Chinese businessmen, marking the country’s third consecutive presidential ouster in recent months.
The scandal, dubbed “Chifa-gate”, erupted last month after videos surfaced showing Jerí meeting several times outside his official schedule with businessman Zhihua Yang, who was under government scrutiny. Security camera footage reportedly captured Jerí wearing a hooded top during a late-night visit to one of Yang’s restaurants, with another Chinese citizen under house arrest also present.
Jerí had apologised for the meetings but denied wrongdoing, accusing political rivals of a public smear campaign. Lawmakers had initially planned to discuss impeachment but instead opted for censure, a parliamentary procedure requiring only a simple majority to remove a president, rather than the supermajority needed for impeachment.
Jerí, who had assumed office as head of Congress following the impeachment of Dina Boluarte in October 2025, was not elected by the people. His removal makes him the seventh president since 2016, amid Peru’s ongoing political turbulence.
The interim president will serve only until a general election in April, when Peruvians will choose a new leader. Ruth Luque, a lawmaker supporting Jerí’s censure, said, “We ask to end this agony so we can truly create the transition citizens are hoping for. “Not a transition with hidden interests, influence-peddling, secret meetings and hooded figures. We don’t want that sort of transition.”
Jerí faced mounting pressure as a corruption investigation was launched by the attorney general, while his approval ratings plummeted. His brief presidency was also marked by violent protests organised by young Peruvians demanding stronger action against crime and corruption; one person was killed and over 100 injured less than a week into his term.
The removal of Jerí underscores Peru’s continuing political instability, as the nation prepares for its upcoming general election amid public calls for transparent governance and accountability.
Melissa Enoch
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