Peru Congress Debates Motion to Remove President Jeri

Peru Congress will debate on Tuesday a motion to remove President José Jeri, as a political scandal deepens the country’s ongoing political instability, lawmakers said on Friday.

The debate follows allegations that Jeri held undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman that were not recorded on his official agenda. Lawmakers say the meetings raise concerns about government transparency and possible conflicts of interest. Jeri has denied any wrongdoing.

Congressional leader Fernando Rospigliosi said the motion had secured the minimum number of signatures required to move forward. If admitted, Congress could summon Jeri to present his defense before a vote on presidential removal.

Jeri took office in October 2025 after Congress ousted his predecessor in an emergency session. His presidency has remained contested, reflecting tensions between the executive and legislature in Peru.

Peru has had seven leaders since 2016, with repeated clashes between branches of government leading to impeachments, resignations and interim administrations. Analysts say the cycle has weakened Peru politics and slowed decision-making in the Andean nation.

Under procedure, once a motion is formally admitted, lawmakers typically have up to two weeks to question the president before holding a vote. A simple majority would be enough for Congress debate to result in Jeri’s removal.

Jeri has described the effort as politically driven and said it risks further government crisis ahead of the next general election 2026, scheduled for April. He has argued the meetings cited were informal and unrelated to state matters.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some citizens have called for accountability, while others fear another leadership change could trigger further constitutional crisis and uncertainty in Latin America’s fifth-largest economy.

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The outcome of the debate will determine whether Peru faces another transition in leadership, adding to years of upheaval that have defined the country’s recent political history.