Peru’s lawmakers pick Balcazar as interim presidentAFP, LIMAPeruvian lawmakers on Wednesday picked Jose Maria Balcazar as the nation’s new interim president, after previous leader Jose Jeri was impeached on graft allegations. The vote brought to an end a power vacuum of more than 24 hours, unprecedented in the nation’s recent history. Jose Balcazar, center, gestures in front of the Government Palace in Lima on Wednesday after he was elected as Peru’s interim president. Photo: ReutersBalcazar is to lead the country until his successor takes office on July 28, after the presidential election on April 12. On Tuesday, he was ousted by lawmakers for suspected involvement in the irregular hiring of several women in his government and alleged graft involving a Chinese businessman.

Source: Taipei Times February 19, 2026 16:09 UTC