Jos Mara Balczar becomes Peru's eighth president in a decade

Published: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:43 am

Peru Elects Eighth President in a Decade Amidst Political Turmoil

LIMA, Peru - Peru's Congress has elected Jos Mara Balczar as the country's new president, marking the eighth leader in the last ten years. The 83-year-old former judge, representing the leftist Per Libre party, secured the position after a vote by the 130-member legislature. He replaces an interim president who was ousted the previous day due to corruption allegations, just four months into his term.

The political instability in Peru is largely attributed to a lack of legislative majorities, leading to frequent presidential removals. Lawmakers have often invoked a constitutional clause concerning "permanent moral incapacity" to remove sitting presidents.

Balczar, a retired judge with nearly three decades of judicial experience, was sworn in shortly after the vote. He will serve for five months, overseeing the upcoming elections scheduled for April 12. If no presidential candidate receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election will be held in June.

The incoming president will face significant challenges, including a rise in murders and extortion impacting small businesses and the working class. Various political groups are calling for assurances of a transparent election process.

Balczar has stated his commitment to ensuring "unquestionable" elections, maintaining existing macroeconomic policies, and refocusing efforts against organized crime.

The previous interim president, Jos Jer, was removed from office after only four months. His removal followed revelations of undisclosed meetings with Chinese business owners, leading to preliminary investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office. This Congress, which began its term in 2021, has now impeached three heads of state.

BNN's Perspective: The frequent changes in leadership highlight a deep-seated political crisis in Peru. While the upcoming elections offer a chance for stability, the new president's ability to address the pressing issues of crime and economic uncertainty will be crucial. Ensuring a fair and transparent election process is paramount to restoring public trust and fostering a stable environment for economic growth.

Keywords: Peru, president, election, corruption, political crisis, impeachment, legislature, interim president, organized crime, macroeconomic policies.

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