LIMA, Peru — Peru’s political landscape witnessed another significant shift as Prime Minister Denisse Miralles abruptly resigned on Tuesday, just before facing a mandatory confirmation vote in the nation’s Congress. The resignation comes amid ongoing governmental instability that has characterized Peruvian politics in recent years.
Miralles, who previously served as economy minister, had been appointed to the prime ministerial position in late February following the removal of Interim President José Jerí due to corruption allegations. Her appointment coincided with the ascension of congressman Jose María Balcázar to the interim presidency.
Unlike executive leaders in other systems, Peru’s prime minister primarily coordinates government policy implementation rather than directing the executive branch, which remains under presidential authority. Despite this technical distinction, the position requires congressional confirmation—a hurdle Miralles determined she could not overcome.
Although the former minister did not explicitly state her reasons for stepping down, she confided to journalists that she lacked confidence in securing the necessary majority support from legislators. Her concerns appear validated by recent scrutiny from the Fiscal Council, an independent public finance monitoring body. The council highlighted that Miralles’ ministry had permitted 26 congressional laws to pass without opposition, resulting in substantially increased government expenditures.
This political development occurs against the backdrop of Peru’s upcoming presidential elections scheduled for April 12, featuring more than two dozen candidates. If no contender achieves over 50% of votes, a runoff between the top two candidates will follow in June.
Peru has experienced remarkable political volatility with eight different presidents occupying office over the past decade, many removed through congressional actions following corruption allegations. Paradoxically, despite this governmental instability, the country has maintained economic stability through orthodox fiscal policies, restrained public spending, and continued foreign investment in sectors like mining and infrastructure.