Peru’s Congress has removed interim President José Jerí from office just four months after he assumed the role, following allegations that he held multiple meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang outside official government schedules and failed to disclose them. The revelations have sparked a storm of political controversy across the country.
Jerí has expressed regret over the meetings but firmly denied any wrongdoing. He has claimed that his political opponents are attempting to tarnish his reputation and undermine his presidency.
This marks the third consecutive presidential removal in Peru’s recent history, highlighting the nation’s ongoing political instability. Last October, former President Dina Boluarte was ousted through a congressional impeachment, after which Jerí, as the head of Congress, assumed the presidency.
Since 2016, Peru has seen seven different presidents in office due to political turbulence. Unlike directly elected leaders, Jerí took office as interim president by virtue of his position in Congress, stepping in after Boluarte’s removal in October 2025.
Recent Presidential Changes in Peru
| Year | President | Tenure | Reason for Removal/Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Pedro Pablo Kuczynski | 1 year | Resignation amid scandal |
| 2018 | Martín Vizcarra | 2 years | Impeachment by Congress |
| 2020 | Manuel Merino | <1 month | Mass protests and resignation |
| 2021 | Pedro Castillo | 1 year | Impeachment attempt and political unrest |
| 2022 | Dina Boluarte | 1 year | Congressional impeachment |
| 2025 | José Jerí | 4 months | Undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman |
Following Jerí’s dismissal, Congress has announced that a new interim president will be appointed on Wednesday. This individual will serve until the April 2026 presidential election, after which the duly elected president will formally take office.
International media, including the BBC, report that the scandal has been dubbed “Chifa-gate” locally. Security camera footage allegedly shows Jerí entering Yang’s restaurant late at night wearing a hoodie. Another Chinese national was reportedly present at the meetings; this individual was under house arrest for alleged involvement in an illegal timber trafficking operation.
Peruvian law requires the president to officially document all governmental meetings. Jerí’s failure to record these encounters, combined with decisions regarding certain state contracts, has drawn widespread criticism from both opposition parties and civil society groups. The incident underscores the fragility of Peru’s political landscape and raises questions about transparency and accountability at the highest level of government.
