Peru’s recently ousted interim President José Jerí has turned to TikTok to deliver a farewell message to the nation, a move reflecting the growing intersection of politics and social media in the Andean country. Jerí, removed from office by a congressional censure vote on , used the platform to address citizens directly following his abrupt departure from the presidential palace.
The video, characterized by its vertical format and aesthetic typical of TikTok, blends personal imagery, scenes from official events and excerpts from past speeches. This curated narrative appears designed to reinforce a connection with a digitally native audience. Jerí’s choice of TikTok, a platform often associated with younger demographics and informal content, is a notable departure from traditional channels of political communication.
In his message, Jerí struck a reflective and political tone, expressing gratitude to those who supported his brief administration and highlighting what he considers to be achievements during his time in office. He maintained that his actions were guided by a desire to “serve the country” and asserted that he leaves office “with his head held high.” The former president also acknowledged the censure process approved by Congress, stating he respects the decision while subtly hinting at disagreement with the reasoning behind his removal.
Jerí’s departure marks a period of intense political instability in Peru. He became president in after the impeachment of Dina Boluarte, who herself had assumed the presidency following the impeachment and arrest of Pedro Castillo in . This makes Jerí the third consecutive president to be ousted from office, and the country’s eighth leader in less than a decade. The rapid turnover of leadership underscores a deep-seated crisis of governance and a lack of political consensus.
The catalyst for Jerí’s removal was a scandal dubbed “Chifa-gate” – a reference to Peruvian cuisine with Chinese influences – stemming from undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang. Security camera footage revealed multiple meetings between Jerí and Yang, including one late-night encounter where Jerí was wearing a hooded top. Yang’s businesses had been granted a state concession for an energy project, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and undue influence.
The congressional censure, a parliamentary procedure requiring a simple majority, was chosen over impeachment, which demands a supermajority. This suggests a strategic decision by lawmakers to expedite the removal process. Following the vote, Congress will select a new interim president who will serve until general elections scheduled for .
Jerí’s TikTok message also included an assurance that he would not withdraw from public life. He stated his intention to continue participating in politics from other platforms, offering a message of perseverance to his supporters. He concluded with a call for national unity and the preservation of democratic stability amidst the current political turmoil.
The situation highlights the challenges facing Peru’s political system. Analysts suggest the frequent changes in leadership reflect a failure by the political class to address pressing issues such as crime and corruption, leaving the country in a cycle of short-lived administrations with limited capacity to enact meaningful change. The unpopularity of Congress further exacerbates the problem, with lawmakers often seeking to bolster their support by removing unpopular leaders.
The use of TikTok by a former president to address the nation is a relatively new phenomenon, but it underscores the evolving role of social media in political discourse. While traditional media outlets continue to play a vital role in reporting and analysis, platforms like TikTok offer politicians a direct channel to communicate with citizens, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. This can be a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, but it also raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential for manipulation.
The case of José Jerí and “Chifa-gate” also raises questions about transparency and accountability in Peruvian politics. The undisclosed meetings with a businessman under scrutiny, coupled with the lack of a clear explanation for the president’s actions, fueled public distrust and ultimately led to his downfall. The investigation by the Attorney General’s Office will likely shed further light on the circumstances surrounding these meetings and whether any wrongdoing occurred.
As Peru prepares for general elections in April, the country faces a critical juncture. The next president will inherit a deeply divided nation grappling with political instability, economic challenges, and widespread public dissatisfaction. The outcome of the election will likely determine whether Peru can break free from its cycle of political turmoil and embark on a path towards greater stability, and prosperity.
