Peru's interim president, José Jerí, is facing a growing political scandal over undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen, prompting opposition lawmakers to consider impeachment proceedings. Jerí, 39, appeared before a congressional oversight committee on Wednesday in Lima to address allegations that he held two secret meetings with Chinese business representatives outside of official office hours.
Jerí denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was the victim of a smear campaign designed to destabilize the country before the upcoming April elections. "It could be understood to be a trap," he told the committee, insisting he had not lied to the country.
Opposition lawmakers, however, remain unconvinced. They allege that Jerí's failure to disclose the meetings constitutes a breach of public trust and warrants impeachment. The specific details of the meetings and the nature of the discussions remain unclear, fueling speculation and calls for greater transparency.
Jerí assumed the interim presidency in October, following the ousting of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte. His administration is tasked with maintaining stability and overseeing the upcoming elections. The current scandal threatens to further destabilize the political landscape and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The congressional oversight committee is continuing its investigation into the matter. The committee will likely summon additional witnesses and review relevant documents to determine the full extent of Jerí's involvement and the nature of his discussions with the Chinese businessmen. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Jerí's political future and the stability of Peru's government.
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