Peru's Congress began an extraordinary session on Tuesday that will determine the fate of President Jose Jeri. The politician, who has been in office only since October, faces as many as seven motions of no confidence. The political upheaval stems from the president's controversial, previously undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman. If lawmakers decide to remove him, Peru will face its eighth change at the top of power in the last decade.

Jeri's Presidency Under Threat

President Jose Jeri faces the prospect of removal after just four months in office due to a scandal involving a Chinese businessman.

Seven Motions for Dismissal

The opposition in Peru's parliament has filed numerous motions of no confidence, accusing the head of state of a lack of transparency and secret negotiations.

Peru's Record Instability

If Congress votes to remove the president, it will be the eighth change of the country's leader in the last ten years.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Peru's Congress began a crucial debate that could end the short term of President Jose Jeri. The 39-year-old lawyer took office just 108 days ago, replacing the dismissed Dina Boluarte. The current crisis erupted after revelations of the president's secret meetings with a representative of Chinese business, which the opposition deemed a gross violation of transparency in governance. Seven motions of no confidence have been filed against Jeri, and the parliamentary debate is of an extraordinary nature. The political situation in Peru is exceptionally unstable, fitting into a multi-year trend observers call the “presidential meat grinder.” Jeri's potential removal would mean the country gets its eighth leader in less than ten years. This is particularly problematic in the context of the approaching general elections, which are less than two months away. Jose Jeri, initially seen as a figure who could calm tensions after the turbulent rule of his predecessor, is now fighting for the votes necessary to survive the impeachment process. Since 2016, Peru has been grappling with a permanent conflict between the legislative and executive branches, leading to a historically record-high turnover of presidents, nearly all of whom have faced corruption allegations. „If a simple majority approves Jeri's removal, it will be a continuation of the ‘revolving door’ phenomenon in the leadership of this South American nation.” — Reuters Agency The course of Tuesday's session is being watched with concern not only by the region but also by financial markets, which fear another decision-making paralysis in the Andean state. The deputies' decision is likely to be made later this evening local time. 8 — presidents in ten years Peru could have [{"dataISO": "2025-10", "data": "October 2025", "tytul": "Inauguration", "opis": "Jose Jeri assumes office after the dismissal of Dina Boluarte."}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-16", "data": "February 16, 2026", "tytul": "Removal Motions", "opis": "The opposition submits seven motions of no confidence."}, {"dataISO": "2026-02-17", "data": "February 17, 2026", "tytul": "Congress Debate", "opis": "Parliament decides the president's fate in Tuesday's vote."}]

Mentioned People

  • Jose Jeri — Current President of Peru, facing removal from office after 108 days in power.
  • Dina Boluarte — Former President of Peru, whose dismissal in October led to Jeri assuming power.