Peru's Congress voted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to remove interim President José Jerí from office, plunging the Andean nation into yet another episode of political instability. The 39-year-old conservative lawmaker, who assumed the presidency in October 2025 following the impeachment of Dina Boluarte, becomes the third consecutive leader ousted by Congress and the eighth head of state in less than a decade for Peru—a country increasingly gripped by what analysts describe as chronic governance failure.
The removal came via a censure motion rather than full impeachment, requiring only a simple majority in the 130-member unicameral legislature. Congress approved the measure by 75 votes in favor, 24 against, and three abstentions, stripping Jerí of his concurrent role as President of Congress and automatically vacating the presidency. Acting head of Congress Fernando Rospigliosi formally declared the office vacant, paving the way for lawmakers to select a new interim leader from among their ranks to serve until the winner of the scheduled April 12, 2026, general election takes office on July 28.
Jerí's downfall stemmed from a rapidly escalating corruption scandal dubbed "Chifa-gate" by local media, centered on his failure to disclose secretive meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, who held government contracts. Reports also surfaced of encounters with nine young women who later received state-related deals, fueling allegations of influence peddling and corruption. Jerí faced a preliminary investigation by prosecutors but was not given an opportunity to testify before Congress acted swiftly in what critics called an "express impeachment."
The ouster underscores Peru's deepening political crisis. Since 2016, the country has cycled through multiple presidents amid impeachments, resignations, and short-lived interim terms:
- Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016–2018): Resigned amid corruption probes linked to Odebrecht.
- Martín Vizcarra (2018–2020): Impeached twice; first attempt failed, second succeeded.
- Manuel Merino (2020): Served five days as interim before mass protests forced resignation.
- Francisco Sagasti (2020–2021): Completed a transitional term.
- Pedro Castillo (2021–2022): Impeached after attempting to dissolve Congress.
- Dina Boluarte (2022–2025): Impeached in October 2025 amid protests.
- José Jerí (2025–2026): Ousted after four months.
Only two leaders in this period—Sagasti and Castillo (briefly)—were directly elected in the conventional sense, highlighting how Congress has repeatedly used its impeachment powers as a political weapon rather than accountability tool. Legal scholars describe this as "constitutional hardball," where procedural rules are exploited to remove unpopular leaders, often without addressing underlying voter concerns like corruption, crime, inequality, and economic stagnation.
Jerí's brief tenure began when he, as Speaker of Congress, became next in line after Boluarte's unanimous impeachment in October 2025 amid widespread protests triggered by economic woes and perceived governance failures. At 39, he was one of the world's youngest heads of state upon taking office, promising stability and anti-corruption measures. Yet his administration quickly unraveled over transparency issues, including the undisclosed China-linked meetings that raised questions about foreign influence in Peruvian contracts.
The scandal intensified public distrust in institutions already viewed as deeply unpopular. Congress, with approval ratings often below 10%, has used presidential removals to deflect blame and gain short-term political points, perpetuating a cycle where leaders lack time or mandate to implement reforms.
Analysts warn that this instability has created fertile ground for organized crime, as weakened governance allows criminal networks to infiltrate local politics, extortion rackets, and illicit economies. The recent assassination attempt on a cumbia band in Lima and rising violence in provinces illustrate how political paralysis has coincided with deteriorating security.
With elections just two months away, Congress must now elect another interim president to navigate the transition. The April 12 vote will choose both a new president and Congress, offering a potential reset but also risks of further fragmentation given Peru's multiparty system and history of short-lived coalitions.
Jerí has denied wrongdoing, framing the ouster as politically motivated. Supporters argue the rapid removal prevented due process, while opponents say it was necessary to restore institutional credibility amid corruption probes.
Peru's recurring leadership churn reflects deeper structural issues: a powerful Congress unchecked by strong executive authority, weak political parties, and a judiciary often seen as politicized. Economic challenges—high inflation, mining sector disputes, and post-COVID recovery—compound the instability, fueling public disillusionment.
As Peru prepares for yet another electoral cycle, the ouster of José Jerí serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of its democratic institutions. Observers hope the upcoming vote can break the cycle, but many fear continued turmoil unless reforms address the root causes of perpetual crisis.
