News|GovernmentPeru to debate removal of President Jose Jeri four months into his termThe debate comes as Jeri, who is not running for re-election, faces allegations of bribery and influence-peddling.

The President of Peru's Congress, Fernando Rospigliosi, has scheduled a special session to discuss the potential removal of the country's interim president, Jose Jeri. This session is set for the morning of Thu, Feb 17, 2023, as confirmed in an official statement released by Peru's Congress.

Jose Jeri's brief tenure as president is under scrutiny following a series of scandals. He assumed office in October after his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, was impeached for "permanent moral incapacity." Boluarte had previously taken over the presidency after the impeachment of Pedro Castillo. The upcoming debate reflects ongoing political instability in Peru, which has experienced eight different presidents in the last decade.

Recent controversies have centered around Jeri's meetings with Chinese businessmen, including an incident referred to as "chifagate." Jeri was recorded visiting a restaurant late at night to meet Zhihua Yang, a businessman linked to a government-approved hydroelectric project. These meetings were not documented in the official presidential agenda, raising legal and ethical concerns. Further allegations involve meetings with another businessman, Jiwu Xiaodong, reportedly under house arrest.

Jeri has claimed that some meetings were related to a Chinese-Peruvian friendship event and others were personal errands, denying any illegal conduct. Nonetheless, accusations of influence-peddling and irregular administrative hiring practices have emerged, further complicating his presidency.

The discussion over Jeri’s potential removal coincides with the upcoming general election on Sat, Apr 12, 2023, where the presidential seat will be contested. Jeri has announced he will not be seeking re-election.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.