Peru’s New Interim President Installed Amid Controversy
On Wednesday, Peru’s Congress appointed 83-year-old Marxist lawmaker José María Balcazar as the country’s new interim president, taking over after the impeachment of José Gerri.
Balcazar is a polarizing figure, known for his support of child marriage and currently facing investigation on thirteen corruption-related charges. With this appointment, he becomes the ninth president Peru has seen in a decade, set to serve until July 28, 2026, when a successor following the upcoming elections will take office.
Peru enters a new phase of its turbulent political history this week after Gerri was ousted on Tuesday amid allegations tied to a scandal referred to as “Chifagate.”
Gerri had only been in office since October 2025, following the impeachment of Dina Bolarte. Bolarte succeeded Pedro Castillo, also a Marxist, who faced impeachment and was imprisoned after attempting to dissolve parliament and orchestrate a “self-coup.”
As it stands, Peru hasn’t had a president complete a full term since Ollanta Humala left office in 2016. Humala, along with his wife, faces a 15-year prison sentence starting in April 2025 on corruption charges.
After Gerri’s removal, Congress reconvened to vote on his replacement. Voting procedures in the Peruvian Congress follow a secret ballot format. In the initial round of voting, among 117 participating members, Balcazar secured 46 votes, followed closely by María del Carmen Alba with 43 votes. As no candidate received the required 59 votes, a second round was held, which Balcazar won with a simple majority.
Balcazar is aligned with the Marxist party Free Peru, the same party that Castillo was affiliated with until 2022. Despite their past alliance, Balcazar has made it clear that he would not entertain pardoning any former presidents. Meanwhile, Castillo’s attorney announced plans to formally request a pardon from Balcazar soon.
Back in 2015, Balcazar faced backlash for defending child marriage when a proposed ban was introduced. He argued that early sexual relations could positively influence a woman’s psychological well-being and claimed that the norms surrounding marriage in Peru are dysfunctional, noting that many young girls are becoming mothers as early as 14.
On Thursday, he reiterated his views while dismissing criticism as a “black legend,” asserting that his statements had been misconstrued. His controversial stance on child marriage isn’t his only issue; he is currently under investigation for multiple corruption-related accusations, including fraud and bribery. Balcazar asserts he is innocent and maintains a transparent track record.
Presidential elections are set for April 12, 2026, with a potential runoff on June 7 if needed. Currently, there are 36 candidates vying for the presidency.
If Balcazar doesn’t face impeachment like many before him, his term will last until July 2026. In his inaugural address, he promised a smooth transition of power and emphasized his commitment to three main areas: transparent elections, economic stability, and combating organized crime.
