The Peruvian Congress elected José María Balcázar as the country’s new interim president Wednesday, one day after lawmakers removed his predecessor, José Jerí, amid allegations of misconduct. As interim president, Balcázar is now also head of Congress. In a late Wednesday-night ceremony in Lima, Balcázar vowed to oversee the forthcoming general election and the subsequent transition. Who is José María Balcázar? The election of José María Balcázar as interim president places a seasoned — and at times controversial — figure at the helm of Peru during yet another delicate transition.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald February 19, 2026 21:13 UTC