Peru Congress Ousts President Jose Jeri in ‘Chifagate’ Scandal, Deepening Political Crisis

Peru’s Congress has removed President Jose Jeri from office just four months after he assumed leadership, intensifying the country’s ongoing political crisis and leadership instability. Lawmakers voted 75 in favor of ousting Jeri, with 24 against and three abstentions, marking the latest chapter in Peru’s revolving door of presidents. Jeri becomes the third consecutive Peruvian president to be removed, and the nation is now set to see its eighth president in as many years.

The decision follows a controversy known locally as “Chifagate,” sparked by reports that Jeri held undisclosed late-night meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang. Yang owns retail stores and holds a concession related to an energy project in Peru. Footage allegedly showed Jeri arriving at a restaurant wearing a hood to meet Yang, raising concerns about transparency and potential influence-peddling. The meeting was not publicly disclosed, fueling criticism from opposition lawmakers and the public.

Unlike impeachment proceedings, which require a supermajority of 87 votes in Peru’s 130-member Congress, Jeri was removed through a censure vote. This mechanism requires only a simple majority and strips him of his position as head of Congress—effectively ending his interim presidency. Jeri has stated he will respect the outcome of the vote.

The political turmoil began in October when Congress unanimously voted to remove former President Dina Boluarte amid corruption allegations and rising public anger over crime. With no vice president in office, Jeri, then head of Congress, assumed the presidency under constitutional succession rules.

Lawmakers will now elect a new head of Congress, who will automatically become president. Current congressional leader Fernando Rospigliosi declined to take on the role, prompting a new vote scheduled for Wednesday. Meanwhile, Peru prepares for general elections on April 12, with polls showing a large share of undecided voters, underscoring deep political uncertainty across the Andean nation.