Who is Jose Jeri, the young man now leading Peru? At 38, he has stepped into the country’s highest office during great turmoil. With crime, protests, and distrust everywhere, Jeri faces a huge test.
In this article, I explain his story, what he inherits, and what lies ahead in a way that’s easy to read and understand.
Background: A Country in Crisis
Peru has seen many presidents in recent years. No leader has managed to serve fully. People are angry at corruption, high crime, and failing institutions. In this chaos, a fresh face like Jeri’s rose to prominence.
Who Is Jose Jeri?
Early Life & Education
Jose Enrique Jerí Oré was born in Lima, Peru. He started his higher studies at Federico Villarreal National University, finishing around 2014. Later, he got a full law degree from Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University.
While in college, he joined the Somos Perú party (which means “We Are Peru”) in 2013. He tried running for municipal positions in Lima twice but did not win.
Political Rise
In 2021, Jeri failed to win a seat in Congress in initial elections. But when a member from his party, Martín Vizcarra, was disqualified, Jeri took over that seat as a substitute legislator.
Then, in July 2025, he became President of the Congress (the legislature). This positioned him directly in the line of succession.
How Jeri Became President
Dina Boluarte, the president before him, was impeached by Congress in October 2025 for being “morally incapable” of staying in office. Because Boluarte had no vice presidents left, the next in line was the President of Congress — now Jeri.
He was sworn in on 10 October 2025, and will serve as a transitional president until July 2026, when new elections are expected.
In his first steps, he ordered raids in prisons to detain gang leaders. He declared that crime is the main enemy and pledged to fight it with full force. He is also setting up a new cabinet to tackle public anger over crime and corruption.
Controversies & Criticisms
Even as he begins, Jeri is not free from problems. Below is a simple table of the main controversies surrounding him:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Sexual assault accusation | A woman accused Jeri of assault during a party in December 2024. The case was dropped due to lack of evidence. He denies it. |
| Alleged bribery | Media reports say Jeri asked companies for payments in return for favors. He denies the charges and promises cooperation. |
| Lack of experience | Analysts believe Jeri’s limited experience could make him open to political pressure. |
| Protests and unrest | Anti-government protests are being planned, which could threaten his rule if not handled carefully. |
Because of these issues, many analysts call Jeri a political novice. They worry his limited experience will make him vulnerable to pressure from seasoned politicians.
Challenges He Faces
Rebuilding Trust
Public trust in Peruvian institutions is very low. Jeri must act quickly to show he is different and honest.
Dealing With Crime
High crime rates hurt ordinary people the most. Jail raids are only symbolic; real change demands reforms in law enforcement, justice, and social support systems.
Managing Congress & Political Forces
He must work with members of Congress who might try to control him. Forming alliances without losing power will be tricky.
Handling Protests
Anti-government protests are scheduled soon. How Jeri responds — with force or dialogue — will decide whether people accept him or reject him.
What to Watch Next
- Whether protests on 15 October or later go ahead.
- The performance and credibility of his new cabinet.
- Whether past accusations—sexual assault, bribery—resurface and sway public opinion.
- Whether Jeri can keep Peru stable until elections in 2026.
Jose Jeri’s sudden rise to the presidency is dramatic. At just 38 years old, he inherits a nation battered by crime, corruption, and widespread distrust. He has vowed to declare war on crime, launched daring prison raids, and promised a transitional government built on transparency and reform.
But his path is full of danger. The sexual assault and bribery allegations, his limited political experience, and the volatile climate of protests make him a risky choice.
The next few months will test whether he can prove himself more than a caretaker. If he acts boldly, keeps faith with the people, and delivers real results, Peru might find new hope. But if he fails, he risks becoming another fleeting name in its troubled history.
