Peru’s Congress removes interim president after just four months in office

Peru’s Congress on Tuesday removed interim president Jose Jeri, the country’s seventh leader in a decade, following allegations of corruption.

The 39-year-old was accused of irregularly approving the employment of several women within his administration and of possible graft linked to a Chinese businessman.

Jeri, who assumed office in October, succeeded Dina Boluarte, who herself was ousted amid widespread protests over corruption and escalating violence tied to organised crime.

Prosecutors last week launched an inquiry into whether the president exerted improper influence in government appointments. Jeri has denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence.

Formerly the head of Peru’s unicameral legislature, Jeri was appointed to complete Boluarte’s term, which runs until July, after national elections scheduled for April 12. Under the constitution, he was not eligible to contest the presidency.

His tenure was overshadowed by claims from an investigative television programme that several women were improperly hired in the presidential office and the environment ministry after meeting with him. Prosecutors later said the number involved was nine.

Jeri is also being investigated over alleged “illegal sponsorship of interests” linked to a private meeting with a Chinese businessman said to have commercial dealings with the government.

Some analysts have suggested political manoeuvring played a role in his impeachment, coming just weeks before elections that have drawn a record number of more than 30 candidates. Among the most vocal critics calling for his removal was Rafael López Aliaga of the right-wing Popular Renewal party, who is currently leading opinion polls.

Congress is now expected to elect a new parliamentary leader on Wednesday. The individual chosen will automatically assume the role of interim president until July.

Four lawmakers have declared their candidacy, including María del Carmen Alva, a former speaker of Congress. She faces competition from left-leaning legislator José Balcázar, veteran socialist Edgar Raymundo, and Héctor Acuña, whose party has faced corruption allegations.

Political analyst Augusto Álvarez warned that finding a replacement with broad legitimacy would be difficult, citing concerns over inefficiency and persistent corruption within the current Congress.

Peru has now seen seven presidents since 2016, many of whom have been impeached, investigated, or convicted of wrongdoing.

The country is also battling a surge in violent extortion, which has killed dozens of people, particularly public transport drivers targeted when companies refuse to pay protection money. Official figures show reported extortion cases have risen more than tenfold in just two years, climbing from 2,396 to over 25,000 by 2025