Peru’s Congress Impeaches Interim President José Jeri Amid Corruption Probe

Introduction

On February 17, 2026, Peru’s Congress voted to impeach interim President José Jeri, plunging the nation into renewed political turmoil just weeks before critical presidential and congressional elections scheduled for April 12. The legislative body removed Jeri following corruption allegations tied to undisclosed meetings with Chinese executives, some of whom hold government contracts or face their own legal investigations. This event underscores Peru’s profound instability, marking the seventh presidential change since 2016 and intensifying public frustration over a persistent violent crime wave. As Peru stands at a crossroads, the impeachment raises urgent questions about governance, electoral integrity, and the rule of law in a country grappling with deep-seated institutional crises.

Key Points

Background

A Decade of Political Whirlwind

Peru’s political landscape since 2016 has been characterized by extreme volatility, with seven individuals holding the presidency—a testament to deep institutional fragility. The sequence began with Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016–2018), who resigned amid corruption allegations. He was succeeded by Martín Vizcarra (2018–2020), who was impeached and removed by Congress. Manuel Merino (2020) served only five days before resigning in the face of massive protests. Francisco Sagasti (2020–2021) led a transitional government until the election of leftist Pedro Castillo (2021–2022), who was himself impeached and arrested in December 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress. Castillo’s vice president, Dina Boluarte, assumed office but was dismissed by Congress in October 2025, citing her failure to address a spiraling violent crime crisis. José Jeri, then president of Congress, was appointed interim president under constitutional succession rules.

The Security Crisis and Public Anger

Throughout this period, Peru has been gripped by a dramatic surge in violent crime, including homicide, extortion, and organized crime activity, particularly in urban centers like Lima. Public perception of government inaction has fueled massive protests and plummeting approval ratings for political leaders. The dismissal of Dina Boluarte in October 2025 was explicitly tied to this security emergency, setting the stage for Jeri’s interim tenure. His subsequent impeachment, while legally grounded in corruption allegations, is widely seen as intertwined with the broader public demand for effective governance and accountability.

José Jeri: From Legislative Leader to Impeached Interim President

A career politician and longtime congressman, José Jeri was elected president of Congress in 2025. When Boluarte was removed, constitutional protocol elevated the congressional president to the interim presidency. Jeri’s tenure was immediately overshadowed by the dual challenges of preparing for the April 2026 elections and confronting the crime wave. His downfall began with a leaked investigative report detailing his undisclosed meetings in December 2025 with two Chinese business executives. The scandal provided political opponents with a catalyst to remove him, capitalizing on pervasive public disillusionment.

Analysis

Legal and Constitutional Dimensions

The impeachment of an interim president in Peru is constitutionally permissible under broad grounds that include “moral incapacity” or “permanent moral incapacity,” terms historically interpreted to encompass corruption and misconduct. The process requires a congressional vote; a simple majority is sufficient for removal, as demonstrated by the 75-vote threshold (out of 130 legislators). Jeri’s case hinges on a preliminary investigation by Peru’s prosecutor’s office into influence peddling. While he retains parliamentary immunity as a legislator (which he regains post-removal), the investigation could proceed. Legally, his removal does not equate to a criminal conviction; it is a political sanction. However, the allegations—meeting with contractors and a suspect in illegal logging—strike at core governance ethics, potentially violating Peru’s anti-corruption laws and public trust doctrines.

Political Implications and the 2026 Elections

The timing of Jeri’s impeachment is critically destabilizing. With the April 12 election mere weeks away, Peru faces a scenario where an interim president, selected by a potentially partisan Congress, will oversee the final electoral preparations. This raises concerns about:

• Electoral Neutrality: Can an interim leader, appointed under a cloud of scandal, ensure a fair and transparent election? The National Jury of Elections (JNE) is constitutionally autonomous, but political pressure may intensify.
• Voter Confidence: Repeated political crises have likely deepened voter apathy and cynicism. Turnout may suffer, particularly in regions hardest hit by crime and corruption.
• Candidate Legitimacy: The next interim president will be