Peru to Consider Removing President Jose Jeri After Four Months in Office

Peru’s Congress Announces Special Plenary Session to Discuss President’s Future

A special plenary session of Peru’s Congress has been scheduled for February 17 to consider the removal of President Jose Jeri, who is facing allegations of bribery and influence-peddling. The announcement was made by Fernando Rospigliosi, the head of Congress.

Jeri took office as interim president in October, following the unanimous impeachment of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, on grounds of “permanent moral incapacity”. Boluarte had previously assumed the presidency after Pedro Castillo’s impeachment for attempting a self-coup. Jeri has been embroiled in controversy since taking office, including the “chifagate” scandal.

The scandal began when local media outlets obtained video footage of Jeri meeting with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang at a restaurant. The meeting was not listed on the official presidential agenda, as required by Peruvian law. Critics have questioned whether Jeri’s outfit was intended to be a disguise. Additional footage showed Jeri meeting with another Chinese businessman, Jiwu Xiaodong, who was reportedly under house arrest for illegal activities.

Jeri has denied wrongdoing, stating that he had not lied to the country and had not done anything illegal. However, critics have accused him of using his position for influence-peddling at unregistered interactions. Similar accusations emerged earlier this month regarding irregular hiring practices in Jeri’s administration and contracts awarded.

The debate over Jeri’s removal comes as Peru prepares for a general election on April 12, with the presidency up for grabs. Jeri has announced that he will not be running to retain his seat. The special plenary session is the latest chapter in the ongoing instability facing Peru’s government, which has seen eight presidents within the last decade, including several impeachments and resignations before their terms expired.

Source: Al Jazeera