Peru's Interim President Impeached After Just Four Months in Office

Peru’s Congress impeached interim President Jose Jeri on Tuesday (17 February) local time. The impeachment came after he was entangled in corruption allegations, having served only four months in office.

Jeri was the seventh head of state in Peru over the past decade and the latest to be toppled over corruption charges.

The 39-year-old Jeri, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (18 February 2026), was accused of improperly recruiting a number of female officials into his administration. He was also alleged to have been involved in corrupt practices involving a Chinese businessman.

In office since October last year, Jeri took over power from former President Dina Boluarte, who was also impeached amid protests against corruption and a wave of violence linked to organised crime.

Local prosecutors last week launched an investigation into “whether the head of state had exercised undue influence” in the appointment of several government officials. Jeri maintained his innocence against the charges levelled at him.

Jeri, who previously served as head of Peru’s unicameral parliament, was elevated last year to complete the remainder of Boluarte’s term, which runs until July this year, before a new president takes over following elections scheduled for 12 April.

Jeri was constitutionally barred from standing in those elections.

Jeri found himself in the spotlight after the investigative television programme Cuarto Poder reported that five female officials had been unlawfully given positions in Peru’s presidential office and the Ministry of the Environment after meeting Jeri.

Local prosecutors said there were actually nine women allegedly recruited improperly by Jeri.

Beyond those allegations, Jeri was also being investigated for suspected “illegal sponsorship of interests” following a secret meeting with a Chinese businessman who had commercial ties with the government.

Following Jeri’s impeachment, the new parliamentary speaker will automatically assume the role of Peru’s interim president until July. Congress was due to elect a new leader on Wednesday (18 February) local time to fill the vacant speakership.

Peru has now seen seven presidents since 2016, several of whom have been impeached, investigated, or convicted of offences.