Peru's congress has elected José María Balcázar, an octogenarian leftist lawmaker, as the country's interim president ahead of general elections scheduled for April. His election follows the ousting of his predecessor, José Jerí, who was removed from office within just four months due to controversies surrounding undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen. This shocking outcome saw Balcázar, representing the leftist Peru Libre party, defeat conservative María del Carmen Alva, who was favored to win the presidency in the initial voting rounds.

Balcázar's swift election to the presidency coincides with considerable political fracturing in Peru. In a session that lasted over four hours, members of congress failed to reach a consensus on a single candidate, leading to a second round of voting in which Balcázar emerged as the unexpected choice. His victory has stirred various reactions within the political landscape, prompting accusations among right-wing factions and celebration among leftist supporters. The political climate in Peru continues to be turbulent, reflecting the public's discontent with ongoing governance issues.

At 80 years old, Balcázar's expertise and previous political experiences might be critical as he navigates the interim presidency until the upcoming elections. His tenure could have significant implications for the future direction of Peruvian politics as voters continue to express frustrations with the establishment. With this unprecedented development in leadership, Peru will be watching closely to see how Balcázar’s government will handle pressing social and economic challenges before the elections later this year.