Peru’s Congress on Tuesday voted to impeach interim president Jose Jeri, marking yet another chapter in the South American nation’s prolonged political instability and making him the seventh head of state in just 10 years.
Jeri, 39, had been in office since October after replacing former president Dina Boluarte, who was also impeached amid corruption allegations and widespread protests linked to rising violence and organised crime.
Lawmakers accused Jeri of irregularly hiring several women into government positions and of suspected graft involving a Chinese businessman. Prosecutors last week opened an investigation to determine whether the president exercised undue influence in state appointments.
Jeri has denied any wrongdoing.
The controversy intensified following claims aired by investigative television programme Cuarto Poder, which alleged that five women were improperly appointed to roles in the president’s office and the environment ministry after meeting him. Prosecutors later stated the number under scrutiny could be as high as nine.
In addition, Jeri is being investigated for alleged “illegal sponsorship of interests” over a secret meeting with a Chinese businessman said to have commercial ties with the government.
Political Tensions Ahead of Elections
Jeri, who had been serving as head of Peru’s unicameral Congress before assuming the presidency, was constitutionally barred from contesting the upcoming general election scheduled for April 12. He had been appointed to complete Boluarte’s term, set to expire in July.
Some analysts suggest political maneuvering may have influenced the impeachment, coming just weeks before elections that have drawn more than 30 candidates — a record number.
Among the most vocal critics of Jeri was Rafael Lopez Aliaga of the right-wing Popular Renewal party, who currently leads in opinion polls.
Congress is expected to elect a new parliamentary leader, who will automatically assume the role of interim president until July.
Political analyst Augusto Alvarez warned that finding a replacement with strong legitimacy may prove difficult, citing concerns over mediocrity and widespread corruption within Congress.
Deepening Institutional Crisis
Peru has experienced chronic political upheaval since 2016, with multiple presidents impeached, investigated, or convicted. At the same time, the country faces a surge in organised crime, particularly extortion rackets targeting transport operators.
Reported extortion cases have risen dramatically in recent years — from 2,396 to over 25,000 in 2025 — underscoring the growing security crisis confronting the nation.
The latest impeachment further deepens Peru’s institutional instability as voters prepare to head to the polls in April.
