The candy excuse that could bring down a president
Again. Peru is reeling again. A request to remove interim president José Jerí is already in Congress. The reason: his secret meetings with a Chinese businessman who won a million-dollar state tender.
“Jerí denies any wrongdoing, assures that he will not resign and affirms that he met with Yang because he wanted to eat Chinese food, as well as buy candies and Chinese paintings.”
Candies and pictures. That is the official explanation for meetings that the prosecutor’s office is already investigating as possible influence peddling. Yang Zhihua is not just anyone: he won the contract in 2023 to build a hydroelectric plant that should start in May.
The numbers of the crisis
The petition gathers the minimum 26 signatures needed, but comes primarily from small left-wing groups. The large blocs—Fuerza Popular, Alianza para el Progreso and Renovación Popular—continue to protect Jerí… for now.
Keiko Fujimori, presidential candidate for the fourth time, was clear:
“Jerí must continue, but will change position if Jerí is caught committing a crime.”
For the process to advance, 56 votes are needed. To finally remove him, 87. Political mathematics in a country that has already had seven presidents since 2016.
The serious thing is not just the meetings. A parliamentary report to which AP had access indicates that Yang would have also acted as “operational and logistical support” for other Chinese companies in infrastructure works since 2018.
Congress is on recess until March. Three months before the general elections of April 2026. Enough time for this crisis to explode… or be shelved until after the elections.
Peru on the tightrope again. With a president who defends his secret meetings such as gastronomic trips and decorative purchases. Meanwhile, China’s shadow over state contracts grows longer by the day.
