Peru Installs Disgraced Judge as President While Evangelical Leaders Warn of Democratic Collapse

Evangelical Leaders in Peru Sound the Alarm Over New President Jose Maria Balcazar

Peru's political crisis has deepened once again as Jose Maria Balcazar, an 83 year old former judge representing the leftist Peru Libre party, was sworn in as the country's eighth president in just ten years. The transition came after Congress removed interim president Jose Jeri from office on February 17, 2026, over corruption allegations.

Evangelical leaders across Peru are now raising serious concerns about the state of their democracy and the man now leading their nation.

Enrique Alva, president of the National Evangelical Council of Peru (CONEP), described the situation as deeply troubling.

Another change of president in Peru, a rather anomalous situation in a democratic system.

Alva warned that Congress has seized authority beyond its constitutional mandate, telling Diario Cristiano:

Congress has assumed powers above the Executive and the Judiciary. It has become a superpower over the other branches. When there is no balance of power, democracy becomes distorted; it becomes manipulable and ceases to function as true democracy.

The evangelical leader also raised pointed concerns about Balcazar's record, stating bluntly:

This man has not been a political leader. His career was as a judge, and it ended poorly. He has several legal issues. It is unfortunate that he is taking office under these circumstances.

Among the most controversial aspects of Balcazar's past are statements he made about sexual relations with minors while opposing Peru's law banning child marriage. These comments have drawn fierce backlash from Christian communities and family advocacy groups.

Balcazar will serve as interim president until July 28, when the winner of Peru's general elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, takes office.

Peru's Democratic Collapse Alarms Christian Community as Balcazar Takes Power

CONEP has urged evangelicals to engage in prayer, civic vigilance, and to actively participate in the upcoming electoral process. The council emphasized the importance of supporting candidates who uphold democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.

The Crusader's Opinion

A nation that churns through eight presidents in a decade is not a democracy. It is a circus. And now Peru's Congress has installed a man whose own judicial career ended in disgrace and whose past remarks about minors should disqualify him from any position of authority, let alone the highest office in the land. The evangelical leaders of Peru are right to sound the alarm. When the powerful can swap presidents like chess pieces while the people have no say, tyranny is not coming. It is already there. Christians in Latin America need to stand up, vote with conviction, and refuse to let their nations be ruled by men who treat God's laws and God's children as inconveniences.

Take Action

• Pray for the believers in Peru and for honest, God fearing leadership to emerge in the April 2026 elections.
• Support persecuted and marginalized Christians in Latin America through The Shepherd's Shield.
• Contact your elected representatives and urge them to hold Peru accountable for democratic backsliding through diplomatic channels.
• Support Open Doors in their work protecting Christian communities across Latin America.
• Share this story with your church community and small groups to raise awareness about the political crisis facing Peruvian Christians.