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Peru President Jerí Says Interior Minister Attended Off‑Agenda Chifa Meeting

The episode has intensified calls for transparency around private meetings with business figures.

Overview

  • José Jerí acknowledged a December 26 meeting with businessman Zhihua Yang at a San Borja chifa and said Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio and his escort accompanied him.
  • He issued a video apology and described the encounter as social and cultural, denying any irregular requests or discussions.
  • Television program Punto Final aired footage showing Jerí arriving at night in an official vehicle with his head covered before the off‑agenda dinner.
  • Jerí noted Yang subsequently visited the Government Palace on December 29, 2025, and January 5, 2026, without providing further details.
  • Presidential candidate Rafael Belaúnde called the meeting unacceptable and said it might warrant vacancy in ordinary times, while analyst José Carlos Requena said the case remains difficult despite the apology.