Peru’s Congress has appointed former judge and left-wing lawmaker Jose Maria Balcazar as interim president, replacing Jose Jeri a day after his removal. Balcazar, 83, will serve for a short transitional period ahead of elections scheduled for April 12.
According to Daljoog News analysis, Balcazar’s selection underscores Peru’s persistent political turbulence. The country has seen nine presidents in just ten years, with most leaving office prematurely through impeachment, resignation, or scandal.
The interim presidency is expected to last until the incoming president is inaugurated in late July, a period marked by heightened scrutiny, legislative friction, and concerns over governance continuity.
What Happened?
The congressional vote was initially inconclusive. Centre-right lawyer Maria del Carmen Alva received 43 votes, while Balcazar secured 46, falling short of the 59 votes needed. Following a second round, which the left-wing party Together for Peru boycotted, Balcazar ultimately won with 60 votes out of 113 cast.
The result sparked criticism from right-wing lawmakers, who expressed alarm over the transfer of executive authority to a leftist figure. Patricia Juarez of the Fuerza Popular party voiced concerns over “handing over the presidency to the left,” reflecting deep partisan divisions within Congress.
Balcazar hails from the Free Peru party and has a long legal and judicial career. Born in Cajamarca near Ecuador’s border, he served as a Supreme Court provisional member and later as a law professor. His judicial tenure included controversies, notably a 2004 attempt to overturn a final cassation ruling, which led to disciplinary proceedings and non-renewal of his court term.
Why This Matters
Balcazar’s appointment continues a cycle of short-term presidencies, exposing the fragility of Peru’s political institutions. Over the past decade, four presidents were impeached, two resigned, and only Ollanta Humala (2011–2016) completed a full term.
The transitional period occurs amid urgent social, economic, and governance challenges, including corruption scandals, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical sensitivities, particularly around foreign investment and relations with China.
For Congress, unifying behind Balcazar was a rare moment of consensus, illustrating the fragmented and polarized nature of Peruvian politics.
What Analysts or Officials Are Saying
Observers point out that Balcazar’s political and legal record is complex. He has faced investigations for corruption, including allegations related to the Lambayeque Bar Association and a bribery case involving former Attorney General Patricia Benavides. Additionally, his defense of child marriage during congressional debates has sparked controversy.
Despite these issues, Balcazar secured enough congressional support to assume the interim presidency, reflecting the strategic calculations of multiple factions in a divided legislature.
The removal of Jose Jeri, 39, follows a series of scandals that further destabilized his brief tenure. Known as “Chifagate,” Jeri’s off-the-books meetings with Chinese businessmen, including Zhihua Yang and Xiaodong Jiwu, raised concerns over potential influence-peddling. The scandal drew criticism domestically and internationally, particularly amid U.S. warnings over Chinese investments in Peru.
Daljoog News Analysis
Balcazar’s rise reflects both the volatility and adaptability of Peru’s political landscape. While his tenure is short, it is strategically significant: it allows the country to maintain constitutional continuity while preparing for presidential elections.
Daljoog News assesses that the repeated impeachment and resignation of presidents over the past decade have eroded public confidence and highlighted weaknesses in congressional oversight. The Balcazar interim government will need to navigate both internal governance challenges and external pressures, including relations with major powers like the United States and China.
The vote also signals the continued influence of left-wing factions in Congress and the potential for policy shifts, even within a brief interim administration.
What Happens Next
Peru is scheduled to hold presidential elections on April 12. If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will take place in June. The new president will be inaugurated in late July, ending Balcazar’s interim tenure.
During this transitional period, the interim administration is expected to focus on maintaining stability, overseeing election preparations, and addressing immediate governance concerns. Meanwhile, Congress and political parties will likely continue negotiations over key appointments and policies to avoid further crises.