Peru's Congress Removes President Jerí

Did Jerí's secretive dealings cause his downfall or is Congress staging an unconstitutional coup against a legitimate president?
Peru's Congress Removes President Jerí
Above: Peru's President José Jerí holds a press conference in Lima on Jan. 21. Image credit: John Reyes/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Congress attempting to censure the president amounts to a coup d'état since the Constitution never authorized removing a head of state through censure — a mechanism that could oust a president with just 34 votes. The military must uphold constitutional order by backing Jerí, who holds legitimate authority as commander in chief. Forcing an unconstitutional removal sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic stability.

Government-critical narrative

Jerí brought this crisis entirely upon himself through secretive meetings with shady Chinese businessmen and contradictory explanations that reek of a cover-up. His lack of transparency extends beyond these shady dealings to suspicious hiring practices now under investigation. The president's own reckless conduct made it easy for critics to build a case against him and remove him from office.


Metaculus Prediction



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.4

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.20.4