Peru’s political turmoil continued this week as lawmakers voted to remove President Jose Jeri from office after a brief four-month presidency, making him the third consecutive leader ousted by Congress in the South American nation.
At 39 years old, Jeri had been among the youngest world leaders when he assumed the presidency in October following the unexpected impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte. He became Peru’s seventh president since 2018 after ascending from his role as head of Congress, taking power due to the absence of an acting vice president.
Jeri’s presidency was quickly engulfed in scandal, most notably involving clandestine meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, who operates retail stores and holds energy concessions while facing government investigation. Video footage emerged showing Jeri in casual attire meeting Yang at a Chinese restaurant, sparking what media dubbed ‘Chifagate’ – referencing the local term for Chinese eateries.
Following public outcry over the meetings, Jeri issued an apology and maintained that no improper conduct occurred. However, mounting political opposition proved insurmountable as upcoming presidential elections intensified competition among politicians seeking voter support.
‘His legitimacy as president was always weak,’ explained Martin Cassinelli, assistant director at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. He characterized the removal as ‘less an act of justice’ and ‘more an act of political self-interest by a congressional majority.’
Despite his abbreviated presidency, Jeri doesn’t hold the record for Peru’s briefest tenure this decade. Interim President Manuel Merino stepped down in 2020 after serving less than one week amid public protests that resulted in two deaths.
The removal underscores Peru’s persistent political instability as the nation approaches April’s presidential election.
‘Unfortunately, for Peruvians, the electoral system will likely result in a fragmented election that is unlikely to yield the majorities necessary for the next president to govern without having to worry about a political impeachment,’ Cassinelli noted.
Born into a middle-class Lima family, Jeri completed his education at Federico Villarreal National University in 2014 before obtaining a law degree from a private Lima institution. He joined the conservative Somos Peru party in 2013 during his legal studies and made two unsuccessful bids for Lima municipal positions.
Jeri initially failed to secure a congressional seat in 2021 when his party captured three legislative positions. However, as the fourth-highest vote recipient, he ultimately claimed the seat of Martin Vizcarra, who faced disqualification from public service before taking office. Vizcarra had previously served as Peru’s president from 2018 to 2020.
Additional controversies plagued Jeri’s presidency, including sexual assault allegations from January 2025 involving a woman who attended a December party. Prosecutors dismissed the case in August due to insufficient evidence, while Jeri denied any wrongdoing.
His administration also faced criticism for awarding government contracts to women following late-night meetings at the presidential palace.
