The Peruvian parliament has elected Congressman José María Balcázar as its speaker and new interim president. He will succeed José Gerry, who was impeached by Congress on February 17.
“Congressman Balcázar has been elected president of Congress“, announced acting president Fernando Rospigliosi after the vote.
Immediately after that, Balcázar was sworn in. A recess was then declared, after which the new president is expected to be sworn in as interim president.
Balcázar will become Peru's ninth head of state in 10 years. He was nominated for president by the leftist party “Liberal Peru“. Former President Pedro Castillo, who is in custody on charges of organizing a rebellion after an attempt to dissolve Congress in December 2022, is a member of this party.
On February 17, Peruvian lawmakers voted no confidence in Gerry due to his meetings with Chinese businessmen that were not officially listed on the president's schedule. He took office as speaker of parliament in October 2025, after Congress removed President Dina Boluarte. According to the republic's constitution, a vote of no confidence cannot be voted against presidents, but it can be voted against the speaker of parliament. Thus, Gerry lost both positions.
The next presidential elections in Peru are scheduled for April 12.