Peru's President José Jerí Impeached Amid 'Chifagate' Scandal
Peru's interim president, José Jerí, has been ousted from office in an express impeachment
following a political scandal over undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen. The impeachment marks the seventh change of presidency in Peru in the last decade, further destabilizing the country amidst ongoing political instability.
A Troubled Political Landscape
José Jerí's impeachment comes only four months after he took over from Dina Boluarte, who was also removed from the presidency. This continued political turmoil has exacerbated Peru's institutional crisis and led to further concerns over the country's governance. The impeachment process took place as Peru was preparing for presidential and legislative elections scheduled on April 12.
The Peruvian Congress approved the motion of censure against Jerí due to his poor performance and lack of fitness to perform the role, following a political trial. The motion required approval from more than half of the legal number of congressmen, with 75 out of 130 voting in favor.
The 'Chifagate' Scandal
The impeachment stems from allegations of 'functional misconduct'. Two investigations were launched by the prosecutor's office for suspected influence trafficking, linked to what has been dubbed the Chifagate
scandal. Jerí was allegedly filmed at undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman holding a concession for an energy project. He was also accused of having met with another business person reportedly under investigation for alleged involvement in illegal logging.
The undisclosed meetings were not registered, raising allegations of corruption and influence trafficking. The meetings were held at a Chinese restaurant with businessman Zhihua Yang, whose companies have supplied the state and who owns the restaurant. The scandal has been named Chifagate
as a reference to the country’s Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine.
Reactions and Implications
The impeachment has led to a wave of reactions, with some criticizing the congressional precarious architecture
responsible for the country's instability. The sequence of legal proceedings against former presidents of Peru points to a serious institutional crisis and the continuity of corrupt practices at the highest levels of power.
The political instability has also raised institutional accountability claims in an election year and in the face of climatic challenges of El Niño. The sudden dismissal of the president also drew criticism, with many questioning the express nature of the impeachment.
Aftermath of the Impeachment
Despite his removal from office, Jerí has said he will respect the outcome of the vote, denied any wrongdoing, and will return to his role as a legislator. The Parliament is set to convene to name the new authority who will assume the presidency of the country. The impeachment vote marks the latest twist in a prolonged political crisis, revealing a politically exhausted system and extending the nation's political instability.
In the wake of Jerí's impeachment, Peru now braces itself for yet another change of leadership, hoping for stability and progress as it prepares for the upcoming elections. The ongoing political turmoil underscores the need for institutional reforms to restore political stability and public trust in the country's leadership.