Peru’s interim president was removed from office on Tuesday amid corruption allegations, a move that adds to the political uncertainty as the country prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for April.
Jose Geri’s ousting is linked to an ongoing scandal called Chifagate, where he was reportedly recorded in private discussions with Chinese businessmen involved in energy projects. He is also accused of meeting with another businessman linked to illegal logging activities.
Legislators voted to censure him as the speaker of parliament, which effectively led to his removal from presidency without needing a supermajority.
Jeri expressed his respect for the outcome, denying any wrongdoing, and indicated he would return to his position as a lawmaker.
This dismissal is the latest twist in a prolonged political crisis, with seven presidents having come and gone since 2016. Jeri was appointed to his position on October 10, 2025, after his predecessor, Dina Bolarte, was ousted. Support for Bolarte eroded among right-wing parties amid further corruption scandals, leading to Jeri’s unexpected ascent from parliament president to the presidency.
Now, lawmakers will need to elect a new speaker of parliament, who will serve as president until July 28, 2026, when a new leader will be inaugurated following the elections.
The current presidential race is heating up, with conservative businessman Rafael López Arriaga leading in polls, while Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, is also a serious contender. Fujimori nearly won the last election, gathering 49% of the vote in 2021. If no candidate captures the majority in April, the top two will face off in a runoff in June.
Political parties are expected to submit their candidates by 6 PM local time, with a vote scheduled in parliament for a new president on February 18.
