Peru has appointed a new leader, José María Balcázar, as the interim president following the dismissal of José Jerí, who faced serious corruption allegations related to undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen. Balcázar was elected by Congress on February 18 with a majority vote of 60 in favor and 46 against, defeating fellow legislator María del Carmen Alva in a second round of voting. This transition marks the eighth presidency in a decade for Peru, a country troubled by persistent political instability.

At 83 years old, Balcázar becomes the oldest individual to assume the presidency in Peru's recent history. His election underscores the volatile nature of Peruvian politics, where leadership changes frequently occur amidst scandals and public outcry. The new administration is expected to navigate a challenging political landscape and address ongoing issues of governance and trust among the electorate.

This article also sheds light on Balcázar's educational qualifications, emphasizing his background as a lawyer and former judge, which could lend a degree of legal and judicial expertise to his interim presidency. As the country looks for stability, scrutiny will be placed on how Balcázar's prior experiences and decisions shape his leadership during this turbulent period.