José María Balcázar elected Peru’s interim president

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Dan Collyns in LimaFebruary 19, 2026 at 02:52 PM

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José María Balcázar, a leftist lawmaker, was elected as Peru's interim president by congress on Wednesday, following the removal of José Jerí due to a scandal. Balcázar's election, the ninth president since 2016, was unexpected, as he beat conservative María del Carmen Alva in a second round of voting. Balcázar, from the Peru Libre party, previously served as head of congress. His election has sparked controversy due to past remarks defending sexual relations between girls aged 14 and older and male teachers, for which he has received strong criticism. Balcázar has also been investigated for alleged embezzlement and was expelled from a bar association in 2022. General elections are scheduled for April.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Chinese 30% Peru's women's ministry 40% Lambayeque 40% Peru Libre 50% José Jerí 50% María del Carmen Alva ×260% Peru ×380% José María Balcázar ×1095%

Keywords

josé maría balcázar 100% peru 90% interim president 90% election 80% child marriage 80% sexual relations 70% political scandal 60% leftist 50% congress 50% embezzlement 40%