Jose Maria Balcazar becomes Peru's eighth president in a decade

"Peru's Congress late Wednesday elected legislator Jose Maria Balcazar as the country's eighth president in a decade, replacing another interim leader who was ousted the previous day over corruption allegations just four months into his term. Balcazar, an 83-year-old former judge representing the leftist Peru Libre party, defeated three other candidates with a majority of the 130-member legislature. The revolving-door presidency in Peru reflects a political crisis fueled by a lack of legislative majorities for leaders."

"He will govern for five months before handing over power to the winner of upcoming elections. Peruvians will choose a new president and legislature on April 12. If no presidential candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two front-runners will advance to a runoff in June. Balcazar's successor will confront a surge in murders and extortion that continues to devastate small business owners and the working class. Various political groups are demanding firm guarantees for a transparent election."

Jose Maria Balcazar, an 83-year-old former judge from the Peru Libre party, was elected president by Congress and sworn in after winning a legislative majority. He replaces an interim leader removed over corruption allegations and will serve a five-month term until national elections on April 12, with a potential June runoff if no candidate tops 50%. The frequent ousters reflect a political crisis driven by a lack of stable legislative majorities and broad use of a constitutional clause on "permanent moral incapacity." The new interim president pledged unquestionable elections, unchanged macroeconomic and monetary policies, and renewed focus on combating organized crime.

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