In a decisive political maneuver, Peru’s legislative body has overwhelmingly voted to remove Interim President Jose Jeri from power. The congressional session held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, resulted in the approval of seven censure motions against the embattled leader, triggering an immediate presidential vacancy.
The impeachment proceedings concluded with 75 legislators supporting the motion, while 24 voted against and three abstained. The outcome demonstrates significant political opposition to Jeri’s administration, which began on October 10, 2025, following the congressional removal of former President Dina Boluarte.
Fernando Rospigliosi, acting President of the Congress, presided over the extraordinary session and formally declared the presidency vacant after announcing the voting results. The legislative body has scheduled a plenary session for Wednesday at 6 p.m. local time to elect a new congressional leader, who will subsequently assume the nation’s presidency according to constitutional protocols.
Peru’s constitutional succession plan dictates specific procedures for presidential transitions. When a president becomes temporarily or permanently unable to govern, power first transfers to the vice president. If both vice presidential positions are vacant, authority passes to the congressional president, who must immediately call for new elections in cases of permanent presidential incapacity.
This political development represents the latest chapter in Peru’s ongoing governance challenges, marking another significant leadership transition in the country’s turbulent political landscape.