Peru to debate removal of President Jose Jeri four months into his term

"The debate comes as Jeri, who is not running for re-election, faces allegations of bribery and influence-peddling. The head of Peru's Congress, Fernando Rospigliosi, has announced a special plenary session to weigh the removal of the country's right-wing president, Jose Jeri. The session will take place on the morning of February 17, according to a statement Peru's Congress posted on social media."

"In recent months, Jeri has become increasingly embroiled in scandal, including one colloquially known as chifagate, named for the Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine known as chifa. The scandal started when local media outlets obtained video of Jeri arriving late at night at a restaurant to meet with a Chinese businessman, Zhihua Yang, who previously received government approval to build a hydroelectric plant."

"The debate comes as Jeri's short tenure grows mired in scandal, just four months after he took office as interim president. In October, Jeri the leader of Congress at the time took over as president following the unanimous impeachment of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, on the grounds of permanent moral incapacity. Boluarte herself assumed the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached for attempting a self-coup. Next week's debate about Jeri's future is the latest chapter in the ongoing instability facing Peru's government."

Jose Jeri faces a congressional plenary on February 17 that will consider his removal amid allegations of bribery and influence-peddling. Jeri is not running for re-election and became interim president four months ago after leading Congress and following Dina Boluarte's unanimous impeachment. Boluarte had taken office after Pedro Castillo's impeachment for attempting a self-coup. Peru has had eight presidents in the past decade, many impeached or resigned. Recent scandals include 'chifagate', involving late-night meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang not listed in the official agenda and footage of Jeri at Yang's businesses. Jeri allegedly met Jiwu Xiaodong, reportedly under house arrest.

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