Peru’s Congress ousts president in late-night vote

Legislative leader replaces Boluarte, who is removed over widespread crime.

- By FRANKLIN BRICENO

JOSE JERI, 38, became Peru's president after Congress impeached the unpopular Dina Boluarte.

(JOHN REYES MEJIA Anadolu)

LIMA, Peru — Peruvians woke up to their seventh president in less than a decade Friday, as 38-year-old José Jeritook the reins ofthe shaken nation after Congress ousted widely loathed President Dina Boluarte ina lightning overnight impeachment.

The young lawyer with scarce political experience, who just became president of the Congress in July, said shortly after being sworn in early Friday that he would seek “reconciliation,” tackle Peru’s runaway crime and ensure “neutrality” in elections when Peruvians elect a new president in April.

Lawmakers had set up a debate and impeachment trial late Thursday in the 130-member unicameral Congress after voting to accept four requests for a vote to remove Boluarte from of-

fice over what they said was her government's inability to stem crime.