Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 22, 2026
World
Timeline: Peru's Presidential Crisis - From Jerí's Removal to Balcázar's Appointment in 72 Hours
In February 2026, Peru experienced its eighth presidential transition in a decade when Congress removed interim President José Jerí over corruption allegations after just four months in office. This timeline chronicles the rapid 72-hour succession crisis that resulted in 83-year-old leftist lawmaker José María Balcázar becoming the country's newest interim leader, just weeks before scheduled general elections.
10 events · 3 days · 17 source articles
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Major
Congress removes President José Jerí after four months in office
Peru's Congress voted to censure President José Jerí with 75 votes in favor, 24 against, and 3 abstentions. Jerí, who had accessed power after Dina Boluarte's removal, fell victim to scandals including the 'chifagate' involving meetings with Chinese businessmen and allegations of contract favoritism. His contradictory explanations eroded parliamentary support, creating an unprecedented power vacuum.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Moderate
Four candidates emerge to compete for interim presidency
Congress scheduled an extraordinary session for 6:00 p.m. to elect a new interim president. Four lawmakers announced their candidacy: María del Carmen Alva Prieto (58, right-wing Acción Popular), José María Balcázar Zelada (83, left-wing Perú Libre), Héctor Acuña (right-wing), and one other candidate. The winner would serve only until July when the elected president takes office.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Major
First voting round produces surprise results, forcing runoff
In a vote that surprised part of Congress, Balcázar obtained 46 votes from 117 legislators present, while Alva received 43 votes. Right-wing candidate Héctor Acuña garnered 13 votes. Since no candidate achieved the required majority, the top two candidates advanced to a second round requiring only a simple majority.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
José María Balcázar elected as Peru's eighth president in a decade
In the second round of voting broadcast live on TV, José María Balcázar won with 64 votes against María del Carmen Alva's 46 votes, with 3 voided ballots from 113 present congressmen. The 83-year-old former judge and leftist lawmaker from Perú Libre became interim president, ending a power vacuum of more than 24 hours. His election raised questions about secret support from neoliberal parties.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Balcázar assumes presidency with controversial background
Balcázar officially took office as Peru's ninth president in a decade, representing the leftist Perú Libre party—the same party as Pedro Castillo, the former president convicted for a self-coup in 2022. The new president's background includes controversial judicial decisions and criticism for opposing bans on child marriage, generating immediate controversy about his appointment.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Political parties trade blame over leftist president's election
Neoliberal parties Renovación Popular and Fuerza Popular accused each other of secretly supporting Balcázar's victory, with each claiming the other was responsible for allowing 'extreme left' and 'communism' back into government. The secret ballot voting raised suspicions that some right-wing congressmen had voted for the 83-year-old leftist lawyer.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Minor
Regional officials criticize Congress's excessive power over presidency
Vicegobernadora Margot de la Riva Valle criticized Congress for accumulating too much power to remove and appoint presidents, warning that the cycle of changing executives every three to six months prevents any government from consolidating. She argued that presidents need to complete their five-year terms with corrections and recommendations, not constant removal.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Moderate
Economic stability persists despite political turmoil
Analysts noted that while Congress removed its seventh president in a decade just 50 days before general elections, Peru's economy continued operating normally. The country maintained low inflation, exchange rate stability, above-average regional growth, and high international reserves, demonstrating the coexistence of political fragmentation with robust institutions.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Minor
Focus shifts to upcoming bicameral Congress system
With elections approaching on April 12, attention turned to Peru's return to a bicameral Congress system after three decades of unicameralism. The new system will feature a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate with distinct but complementary functions, aiming to improve legislative quality, political oversight, and territorial representation.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Balcázar begins term with 63% disapproval rating
An exclusive Ipsos poll published by Perú21 revealed Balcázar started his brief mandate with 63% disapproval of his designation and only 24% approval. This contrasted sharply with José Jerí's 45% approval when he assumed office. The rejection was consistent across Lima and the interior, reflecting widespread discontent with the congressional appointment of the leftist leader described as a former associate of Pedro Castillo.
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