the eighth in less than a decade

Balcazar, an 83 year old lawyer who became a judge of the Supreme Court of Justice of Peru but who accumulates numerous controversies In his judicial and political career, he gave the unexpected coup by being the most voted in the extraordinary session of Congress to replace José Jerí, dismissed after just over four months as interim president.

With 64 votes against 46, the legislator won over the right-wing María del Carmen Alvawho at the beginning of the day started as a great favorite to temporarily assume the Presidency with the mission of leading the Government until July 28, when the winner of the elections will take over. presidential elections, scheduled for April 12.

However, in a convoluted game of political interests and electoral calculations ahead of the elections that will take place in a few weeks, Balcázar emerged triumphant with the support of a group of right-wing parties It was initially expected that they would vote for Alva, but at the last minute they changed their vote.

Thus, the Peruvian Legislature, which dismissed Jerí due to the investigations opened against him for influence peddling, ended up appointing an equally controversial figure as interim president due to the questions and accusations against himalthough he rejects them and calls them “black legends.”

As supreme judge, Balcázar was sanctioned for prevarication by varying a sentence that was already final, while the bar association of which he was a member expelled him for allegedly having committed appropriation of funds when he was its dean.

As a congressman, he stood out for having directed the commission in which new judges of the Constitutional Court were appointed, but what he is remembered most for is his position against prohibiting child marriage in Peru under the argument that “as long as there is no violence, early sexual relations help a woman’s psychological future.”

He also promoted a bill to ban the use of inclusive language.

“Peaceful” transition

In the days before the vote, Balcázar even hinted in statements to journalists about the possibility of pardoning former President Castillo, who is serving a 15-year prison sentence for the failed coup attempt which he starred in 2022 to precisely avoid being removed by Congress.

In his first speech as head of state, Balcázar guaranteed his compatriots “a peaceful democratic electoral transition” and asked “that there be no doubt whatsoever about the general elections” that will be held next April.

He also assured that he will maintain the current economic policy, because “his country cannot be led” to “economic tests” and that he will seek strengthen citizen securitywhich is the main demand of citizens.

During the course of this week, Balcázar must name the Council of Ministers that will accompany him in this new period, after the schism caused by his appointment in right-wing parties such as Fujimori and the ultra-conservative Renovación Popular, which accuse each other of having handed over the Government to the left.