Peru’s new president, Jose Jeri, took office after the impeachment of Dina Boluarte. At 38 years old, he is now one of the youngest leaders in the world and serves as Peru’s seventh president in nine years. Jeri, a member of the conservative Somos Peru party, was previously the head of Congress and stepped in as president without a vice president. He is now responsible for addressing significant public concerns such as corruption, economic insecurity, and crime.
In his first speech, Jeri emphasized a strong approach to public safety, declaring a “war on crime” against gangs. Born in Lima and educated in law, he faced challenges before this political ascent, including failed runs for office and a controversial accusation of sexual assault, which was later dropped due to lack of evidence. He denied any wrongdoing and is willing to cooperate with investigations into alleged corruption regarding favors for companies.
Experts express concerns about Jeri’s limited experience and the potential for manipulation by more seasoned politicians in Congress. Protests against Boluarte’s government are expected to test his leadership soon. The political climate in Peru has become tense, with worries that Jeri might endure a short term like Manuel Merino, who served only five days after his appointment during a past impeachment. The situation remains uncertain as anti-government protests are planned, posing immediate challenges for Jeri’s presidency.
With information from Reuters