José Jeri has been impeached by Peru’s Congress, becoming the country’s seventh head of state in a decade to be removed from office amid corruption-related allegations.
Lawmakers voted on Tuesday to oust the 39-year-old interim leader over claims of irregular government appointments and suspected graft involving a Chinese businessman.
Prosecutors recently opened an investigation to determine whether the president exercised undue influence in public sector hiring.
Jeri, who has denied wrongdoing, assumed office in October 2025 after the impeachment of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, whose administration faced widespread protests over corruption and rising violence linked to organised crime.
The impeachment follows reports by investigative programme Cuarto Poder alleging that several women were improperly appointed to positions in the president’s office and the environment ministry after meetings with Jeri.
Prosecutors say the number of questionable appointments may be as high as nine.
He is also under investigation for alleged illegal sponsorship of interests linked to a private meeting with a Chinese businessman who maintains commercial ties with the government.
Jeri had been serving out the remainder of Boluarte’s term, scheduled to end in July, with general elections set for April 12. He is constitutionally barred from contesting the vote.
Some analysts suggest political manoeuvring may have influenced the impeachment, which comes weeks before the election.
Rafael López Aliaga, a leading presidential contender from the Popular Renewal party, has been among the most vocal critics calling for Jeri’s removal.
Congress is expected to elect a new parliamentary leader, who will automatically assume the role of interim president until the inauguration of a newly elected leader.
Political analyst Augusto Álvarez warned that finding a successor with broad legitimacy may prove difficult, citing public distrust and corruption concerns within the legislature.
Peru has experienced severe political instability since 2016, with multiple presidents impeached, investigated, or prosecuted.
The country is also grappling with rising organised crime and extortion, with reported cases surging from 2,396 to more than 25,000 in 2025.
The latest leadership change underscores deepening institutional challenges in the South American nation as it heads toward crucial national elections.
