José María Balcázar, recently appointed as the interim president of Peru, has ignited a controversy due to his remarks made in Congress regarding the legal framework surrounding child marriage. Balcázar's statements came after a significant change in legislation, where the Peruvian Congress voted to impose a complete ban on marriages involving individuals under 18 years old. Previously, minors aged 14 to 17 could marry with parental consent or judicial approval, but now such unions are no longer legally permissible, highlighting a shift towards protecting minors from early marriage.

The criticism directed at Balcázar stems from his reflections on prevalent societal practices, where he pointed out that in major cities, young relationships and unions often occur at an early age. His comments were perceived as dismissive of the new law's intent, raising concern amongst human rights advocates who aim to safeguard children's rights. These organizations argue that such statements undermine the legal progress made to protect minors and could contribute to societal normalization of early marriages, which the law seeks to prevent.

Balcázar's election to the presidency just a day prior to the controversy, replacing José Jerí who was ousted over corruption allegations, adds another layer to the political turmoil in Peru. The country is grappling with ongoing challenges related to governance and human rights amid attempts to restore credibility and stability. As Balcázar navigates these pressures, the backlash from both the public and advocacy groups raises questions about the direction of his administration and its commitment to child rights.