Peru’s interim president was removed from office Tuesday over corruption allegations, further destabilizing the country ahead of April’s presidential and congressional elections, according to reports.
José Jerí’s ouster follows an ongoing scandal called "Chifagate," in which he was allegedly filmed at an undisclosed meeting with a Chinese businessman who holds a concession for an energy project, the leads in polls, while Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, is running second in most others.
Fujimori narrowly lost her last presidential bid, securing 49% of the vote in 2021. If no candidate wins more than 50% in April, the top two finishers will advance to a June runoff.
Rospigliosi said parties have until 6 p.m. local time to present candidates, and the legislature is expected to vote on a new president Feb. 18.