José María Balcázar becomes Peru's eighth president in a decade

France 24

by FRANCE24

February 19, 2026

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José María Balcázar becomes Peru's eighth president in a decade

José María Balcázar has become Peru’s eighth president in just a decade, marking another chapter of political turbulence in the South American nation. His assumption of power follows the resignation of former President Pedro Castillo, who stepped down after less than a year in office due to growing tensions with Congress and allegations of corruption. This frequent turnover highlights ongoing challenges in Peruvian politics, where leaders face significant hurdles in maintaining stability and implementing their agendas. The rapid succession of presidents reflects deeper issues within Peru’s political system, including widespread distrust in government institutions and persistent conflicts between the executive and legislative branches. Balcázar, who served as Castillo’s vice president before taking over, inherits a fractured political landscape. His rise to power comes amid heightened scrutiny over his own ties to influential figures and allegations of misconduct during his tenure as mayor of Lima. Balcázar’s ascension also raises concerns about the country’s ability to address critical issues such as economic inequality, corruption, and social unrest. The frequent change in leadership has already impacted Peru’s international reputation and its ability to maintain consistent policies on trade, security, and regional cooperation. Observers worry that continued political instability could further strain Peru’s economy and its relationships with neighboring countries. This situation underscores the broader challenges of governance in Latin America, where democratic institutions often struggle to keep pace

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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026