Peru's Congress has collected enough signatures to open a formal debate on removing and censuring President Jose Jeri after reports of undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang. If a motion is filed, the Congress president has 15 days to summon Jeri to answer lawmakers before a vote. A successful censure would strip him of privileges tied to his former role as Congress president. The development comes as Peru prepares for a presidential election on April 12 amid ongoing political instability.
Peru Congress Secures Signatures to Open Debate on Ousting President Jose Jeri
FILE PHOTO: Peru's new president Jose Jeri walks on the day of the swearing-in ceremony, after Congress voted to remove former President Dina Boluarte, in Lima, October 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angela Ponce/File Photo
LIMA, Feb 12 — Peru's Congress said on Thursday it has obtained enough signatures to trigger a formal debate over the possible removal and censure of President Jose Jeri, congressional records show. The move follows reports that Jeri held undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang.
What Happens Next
Once a formal motion to remove Jeri is filed, the president of Congress has 15 days to summon him to appear before the legislature. Jeri will then face questions and scrutiny from lawmakers before Congress votes on whether to remove him from office. If Congress approves a censure, Jeri would also lose the privileges associated with his previous role as Congress president and revert to the status of a regular lawmaker.
Context
Jeri assumed the presidency in October following the removal of former President Dina Boluarte. In January he told legislators that calls for his removal related to the meetings with Zhihua Yang were an attempt to destabilize his administration and disrupt the upcoming presidential election.
Peruvians are scheduled to vote for a new president on April 12. The country has been marked by chronic political instability: seven different presidents, including Jeri, have taken office since 2016. The last president to complete a full term was Ollanta Humala (2011–2016); Humala was sentenced earlier this year to 15 years in prison for money laundering.
Reporting by Dante Alva and Alexander Villegas; Editing by Daina Beth Solomon.
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