Peru Congress Elects José María Balcázar as Interim President After Leadership Ouster

José María Balcázar was elected interim president by Peru’s congress following the removal of José Jerí, taking office ahead of the country’s April general election.

By Precious E.

Peru's congress has elected veteran lawmaker José María Balcázar as interim president, placing him in charge of the country until a new head of state is sworn in after the April general election.

Balcázar, 80, replaces José Jerí, who was removed by lawmakers this week following controversy linked to undisclosed meetings with Chinese business representatives. The leadership change marks another chapter in Peru’s prolonged political instability.

He is now the ninth person to hold the presidency since 2016.

José María Balcázar Takes Office Ahead of Peru General Election

José María Balcázar secured the interim presidency after a lengthy congressional session in which no candidate achieved a simple majority in the first round. In a second vote, he defeated conservative lawmaker María del Carmen Alva.

A member of the left-leaning Peru Libre party, Balcázar was sworn in as head of congress, a role that carries the responsibility of serving as interim president until July 28. Peruvians are scheduled to vote on April 12, with a possible runoff in June.

His appointment triggered mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Several right-wing parties criticized the outcome, while figures on the left welcomed his elevation.

Past Remarks Draw Renewed Attention

Following José María Balcázar’s election, renewed attention has focused on comments he made in 2023 during debate over legislation banning child marriage.

At the time, he was the only lawmaker to vote against a measure that raised the minimum marriage age without exceptions. Balcázar argued that the restriction should apply only to those under 14, stating publicly that relationships involving minors above that age should not be prohibited. He later said his comments were misinterpreted.

Peru’s Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations strongly condemned his remarks in a statement, saying they appeared to justify sexual abuse of minors and undermined children’s rights.

When asked this week about his earlier position during a radio interview, Balcázar said he stood by his views.

Legal and Political Background

Before entering national politics, Balcázar served as a regional high court judge. He has also faced scrutiny over allegations of financial misconduct linked to his tenure as head of the Lambayeque bar association. He was expelled from the association in 2022 after internal disciplinary proceedings.

Balcázar has also publicly stated that he would seek the release of former President Pedro Castillo, who was sentenced in November to more than 11 years in prison after attempting to dissolve congress and govern by decree in 2022.

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Concerns Over Transitional Mandate

With Peru’s next election weeks away, civic and business groups have urged José María Balcázar to limit his role strictly to overseeing a peaceful transfer of power.

Álvaro Henzler, head of the democracy advocacy group Transparencia Perú, called for the interim administration to focus on maintaining institutional stability and ensuring credible elections.

Peru has experienced years of political turbulence, including repeated impeachments and cabinet reshuffles. The appointment of José María Balcázar places him at the center of a fragile transition period as the country prepares to choose its next elected leader.

As Peru heads toward the April vote, attention will remain on how José María Balcázar manages the interim presidency and whether his leadership can steady the country during a period of political uncertainty.