Peru's Congress has appointed José María Balcázar Zelada as the new interim president following the ousting of José Jerí, who faced allegations of irregularities and influence peddling during his brief four-month term. Jerí's removal on February 17, 2025, marked a significant turnover as he was the eighth leader in ten years, reflecting a turbulent political landscape in the country. The decision was made with overwhelming support among lawmakers, indicating a push for stability within the congress amidst ongoing governance challenges.

The extraordinary plenary session was held to conduct the election, where Balcázar's leadership is set to last until July 28, 2025, just ahead of upcoming elections scheduled for April 12. This transitional phase aims to restore some degree of order in Peru's political arena, which has been characterized by severe volatility and frequent changes in leadership. The significant number of votes favoring Balcázar suggests a level of consensus among lawmakers about the need for temporary leadership while preparations for a new election are underway.

Balcázar’s leadership comes at a crucial time as Peru navigates through political instability, public discontent, and calls for reform. As the interim president, he will face the daunting task of addressing the immediate challenges the country faces, including economic issues and the need for political rejuvenation. His term will be closely watched both domestically and abroad, as the implications of this leadership change could influence the political future of Peru beyond the scheduled elections.