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Peru’s interim president, José Jerí, was ousted by Congress after footage revealed undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang — a development that has deepened concerns about transparency and influence. Although Jerí apologised for the meetings and denied misconduct, he insisted his critics were orchestrating a smear campaign as investigations into Yang continued.
His removal from office makes him the third consecutive president to be ousted, after he replaced former leader Dina Boluarte, who was impeached in October last year.
Jerí was Peru's seventh president since 2016 amid a tumultuous political landscape that has seen a succession of leaders leave the post under contentious circumstances. He was not elected by the Peruvian people, but - as head of Congress - was sworn in as president after his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, was impeached in October 2025.
While lawmakers had set a date to discuss impeaching Jerí, in the end they opted for a different parliamentary procedure called censure, which only required a simple majority to pass rather than the super majority needed for an impeachment.
Later on Wednesday, Congress will name a new interim president who will serve only for a few months - until a new president is chosen by the people in a general election this April.
Jerí had come under fire following a series of controversies dubbed "Chifa-gate" - after a local name for Chinese-Peruvian fusion food and the restaurants which serve it.
Jerí faced further criticism after it emerged that state contracts had been awarded to a number of women following late-night meetings they had with him in the presidential palace.
Pressure had been mounting for Jerí to resign in the wake of the scandals as he faced a corruption investigation launched by the attorney general and his approval ratings plummeted.
His removal marks another chapter of instability for Peru, which is due to hold a general election in April, after which power will be transferred to a new president.
