Peru’s political landscape has undergone another seismic shift as Congress ousted President José Jerí and installed 83-year-old José María Balcázar as interim leader until July elections. The leadership change marks the eighth presidential transition since 2016, highlighting the nation’s prolonged political instability.
Congress voted overwhelmingly to remove Jerí following allegations of influence peddling connected to undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, who was under government scrutiny. The scandal, dubbed ‘Chifa-gate’ after Chinese-Peruvian fusion restaurants where some meetings occurred, revealed Jerí wearing hooded attire during late-night visits to Yang’s establishments. Although Jerí maintained his innocence and denounced the allegations as a smear campaign, further controversy emerged regarding state contracts awarded to women after nocturnal presidential palace meetings.
Balcázar, representing the left-wing Free Peru party, assumes power during profound public distrust in political institutions. The octogenarian former judge previously faced criticism for opposing legislation banning child marriage, though the bill ultimately passed despite his objection.
In his inaugural address, Balcázar pledged to “guarantee the people of Peru a peaceful and transparent democratic and electoral transition” toward the July 28th transfer of power. The electoral process begins with April 12th primaries featuring numerous candidates, making an outright first-round victory unlikely. Polls indicate right-wing Congresswoman Keiko Fujimori (daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori) and Lima Mayor Rafael López Aliaga as frontrunners, though most Peruvian voters remain undecided.
Notably, both Jerí and Balcázar are constitutionally barred from running in the upcoming election due to term succession rules. The political turbulence continues a pattern that has seen multiple presidents deposed by Congress, with Jerí having served merely four months after replacing impeached predecessor Dina Boluarte in October.
Peruvian citizens expressed disillusionment to international media, with one Lima resident noting: “In 10 years, how many presidents have we had? It’s an enormous setback for the country.” Another stated they had “gotten used to this crisis, where Congress only dedicates itself to changing the president and looking out for their own well-being.”