Peru interim president Balcázar faces scrutiny over alleged wasteful public spending

A report by the weekly Cuarto Poder detailed a series of expenditures made by ministries and agencies during the first four months of interim President José María Balcázar's administration. The report lists purchases such as coffee‑break services for workshops (totaling over S/13,000), soft drinks, celebration meals, and items like stress‑relief kits, manicure sets, leather wallets, office furniture and appliances. Specific ministries mentioned include Energy and Mines (S/100,000 for a 57th anniversary), Environment (S/11,600 for breakfasts and stress‑relief kits), Commerce and Tourism (leather wallets and manicure kits), and Production (furniture and kitchen appliances). The Agency for Private Investment Promotion also paid S/4,800 for influenza vaccines for staff.

Experts consulted said the spending did not correspond to priority needs of the population, describing the purchases as superfluous and unrelated to core public services.