He Congress of Peru elected, after two rounds of voting, José María Balcázar as president of Legislative and, by constitutional succession, interim president until 2July 8, 2026. With his appointment, the country has added eight heads of state in the last decade, reflecting persistent institutional instability.
Balcázar, lawyer 83 years and congressman for Lambayeque, he obtained 60 votes in the second round compared to the 46 achieved by Maria del Carmen Alva. In the first round it had achieved 46 endorsements, which forced a subsequent definition as the required majority was not reached.
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The election occurred a day after the dismissal of José Jeríremoved for “misconduct” after tax investigations for alleged influence peddling and irregular hiring. Jerí had replaced months before In Boluartealso removed by impeachment. From 2016he Legislative has removed four presidents and forced the resignation of two others.
The new interim head of state is facing judicial questions. The prosecutor’s office is investigating him for alleged illicit appropriation of funds when he was dean of Lambayeque Bar Association; He also faces a constitutional complaint for alleged bribery linked to an exchange of favors with the former prosecutor. Patricia Benavides. Last February, the Supreme Court rejected his request to move the process outside his region.
José María Balcázar, defender of child marriage
His career has also generated controversy for statements in defense of child marriage during the legislative debate 2023 to ban it. He Women’s Ministry He then rejected his statements and various groups asked for his removal from parliamentary committees.
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At the same time, the country is heading towards general elections in April, with more than 30 presidential candidates and the return to a bicameral Parliament. Analysts warn that the permanence of the new president is not assured in a scenario where Congress maintains broad power over a fragile Executive.
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