Peruvian President José Jerí is facing potential impeachment proceedings following the release of videos showing him in secret meetings with Chinese businessman Yang Zhihua. The videos, leaked earlier this month, depict Jerí arriving at Xin Yan Restaurant, owned by Yang, on Dec. 26. According to reports, a car belonging to the president's office dropped him off, and he attempted to conceal his face as he entered the establishment.
A second video surfaced a week later, showing Jerí at one of Yang's corner stores in Lima, reportedly shouting into his phone in front of Yang. These meetings have raised concerns due to scrutiny surrounding Yang's business dealings. Local media outlets reported that Yang's store had been ordered shut down for violating a municipal ordinance, but the ordinance was later struck down by a federal regulatory body three days later.
The allegations against Jerí include potential conflicts of interest and abuse of power. Opposition parties have called for an investigation into the nature of the meetings and whether Jerí intervened on Yang's behalf. "These videos raise serious questions about the president's conduct and his relationship with Mr. Yang," stated Congressman Ricardo Torres during a press conference. "The public deserves to know the truth."
President Jerí's office has acknowledged the meetings but maintains that they were purely coincidental and did not involve any discussion of government business. In a statement, a presidential spokesperson said, "The president occasionally visits local businesses in Lima to understand the concerns of the community. These visits are not indicative of any special relationship or preferential treatment."
Peru has experienced significant political instability in recent years. Jerí assumed the presidency in October after his predecessor was impeached. The nation has had seven presidents in the past decade, with none serving longer than three years.
The Peruvian Congress is currently debating whether to launch a formal impeachment inquiry. The decision requires a simple majority vote. If approved, the inquiry would investigate the circumstances surrounding the meetings and determine whether Jerí's actions constitute grounds for impeachment. The situation remains fluid, and the potential outcome is uncertain.
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