An 83-year-old congressman from Peru’s left-wing Peru Libre party has taken control of the country’s government following the congressional ouster of the previous interim leader.
Jose Balcazar assumed the interim presidency after Peru’s Congress voted Wednesday evening to install him in the position, defeating three other candidates including center-right legislator Maria del Carmen Alva. The veteran politician will hold office until the winner of April 12 general elections and a likely June runoff takes power on July 28.
The transition comes after lawmakers removed interim President Jose Jeri on Tuesday following just four months in office. Jeri faced a scandal involving undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman, and Balcazar was among those who voted for his removal.
Balcazar brings considerable legal experience to the role, having worked as both a lawyer and former judge. The Cajamarca region native earned a doctorate in law and political science, spent decades teaching at universities, and served on superior courts in Lambayeque before holding a temporary position on Peru’s Supreme Court.
However, his appointment comes with significant controversy. During 2023 legislative discussions about prohibiting child marriage, Balcazar made statements suggesting sexual relationships among minors were commonplace, referencing situations involving students and teachers. These remarks drew immediate criticism from human rights groups and government officials.
The new interim president also faces ongoing legal challenges. Prosecutors are investigating him for alleged influence peddling, and the Lambayeque Bar Association permanently removed him from membership in 2024 over suspected fund misappropriation. Balcazar maintains his innocence regarding these allegations.
Since winning his congressional seat in 2021 representing Lambayeque, Balcazar has held prominent positions including leading the special committee responsible for choosing Constitutional Court magistrates and serving in key roles on justice and education committees.
Following his swearing-in ceremony, Balcazar outlined his priorities: “We are going to work to make the elections cleaner and to have new representatives.”
The interim president inherits a nation experiencing severe political instability and widespread public skepticism toward government institutions. His primary responsibilities include maintaining order, supervising elections characterized by voter uncertainty and political fragmentation, and ensuring a smooth power transition in July.
Peru’s latest leadership change represents another test of whether the country’s political framework can prevent further deterioration during this period of crisis.
