On Wednesday, the Congress of Peru elected José María Balcázar as the new interim president following the censure of José Jerí. Balcázar, a member of the leftist political party Perú Libre, is 83 years old and has taken on the presidential role for the upcoming five months, until July 28. His election comes amid ongoing political turbulence in Peru, where he steps in to fill the significant political void created by the recent dismissal of fully elected officials, including ex-presidents Pedro Castillo and Dina Boluarte.

Balcázar was not elected through popular vote but rather by parliamentary decision, securing his position with a majority of 64 votes during the second round of voting. His ascension occurred during a congressional session that sought to fill the vacancy left by Jerí's removal, effectively granting Balcázar not just the presidency of the Congress but also the interim presidency of the nation as there are no elected leaders currently in place. This sequence of events places Balcázar as the oldest president in Peru's history and highlights the ongoing crisis that has seen eight different leaders take office in less than a decade.

As Balcázar steps into this role, he faces the challenge of steering the country through its next electoral process, with the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for April 12. His success in this interim period could have ramifications for his party and for the broader political landscape in Peru, which has been marred by instability and discontent among the electorate. Balcázar's presidency may set the stage for either a return to political normalcy or further complications in a landscape fraught with challenges.