Peru’s President Jose Maria Balcazar named Waldir Ayasta to head the nation’s energy and mining ministry on Monday, filling a vacancy left after the previous minister’s resignation amid sexual assault allegations.
The appointment follows Sunday’s departure of Angelo Alfaro, who stepped down after facing accusations of raping a minor in 2000. Ayasta received his oath of office from the president during a ceremony at Lima’s Government Palace.
The new minister now oversees Peru’s most vital economic department, as mining operations generate roughly 60% of the nation’s export revenue. Peru ranks as the globe’s third-largest copper producer.
Alfaro, age 72, has rejected the allegations but acknowledged the accuser was 16 years old when the alleged assault occurred.
The former minister had only recently joined the administration on February 24, shortly after Balcazar assumed the presidency as Peru’s eighth leader in eight years. This pattern reflects the ongoing instability within the South American nation’s widely unpopular political establishment.
Criminal investigations have touched more than half of Peru’s legislative members.
Balcazar, 83, has also drawn criticism for his past statements supporting child marriage, positions he maintains. During a 2023 legislative vote to prohibit marriage involving underage girls, he was among three lawmakers who chose not to participate.
Prime Minister Denisse Miralles submitted her resignation on March 17, prompting a cabinet reorganization just one month into Balcazar’s term and weeks before the April 12 general election.
The upcoming presidential contest remains highly divided, with many voters yet to choose their preferred candidate. Balcazar plans to transfer presidential authority to his successor on July 28.
