Peru interim president José María Balcázar faces criminal and constitutional complaints over $3.5 bn F‑16 jet purchase
Jose María Balcázar, the interim president of Peru, is the subject of a criminal complaint filed by congressman Segundo Montalvo that alleges abuse of authority, incompatible negotiation and omission of functional acts tied to the security policy and a US$3.5 billion acquisition of 24 F‑16 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. The same allegations have been presented as a constitutional accusation, filed on 14 July, which requires Congressional approval to lift the president’s immunity before criminal proceedings can continue. The purchase was authorized by Supreme Decree No 001‑2026 under military secrecy, and Balcázar later publicly denied the existence of the contracts, prompting resignations of Defence Minister Carlos Díaz Dañino and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela. In addition, the municipal council of San Miguel province – Balcázar’s birthplace – voted to declare him a persona non grata, criticizing the exclusion of local investment projects from the national priority list and warning of adverse effects on infrastructure financing. The complaints could lead to preliminary investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with any further action possible after Balcázar leaves office on 28 July 2026.
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The purchase led to the resignations of Defence Minister Carlos Díaz Dañino and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela. (ministerial resignations)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Congressman Segundo Montalvo filed a criminal complaint against Balcázar and several former ministers. (complaint filing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Balcázar’s presidential term ends on 28 July 2026, after which his constitutional immunity expires. (term expiry)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The F‑16 acquisition was authorized by Supreme Decree No 001‑2026 under military secrecy, and Balcázar later denied the contracts’ existence. (decree and denial)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The constitutional accusation was presented on 14 July and requires congressional approval to lift presidential immunity. (constitutional procedure)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The municipal council of San Miguel province declared José María Balcázar persona non grata. (local council decree)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The F‑16 purchase was valued at US$3.5 billion for 24 aircraft from Lockheed Martin. (procurement value)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jose María Balcázar, interim president of Peru, was accused of abuse of authority, incompatible negotiation and omission of functional acts related to the purchase of 24 F‑16 fighter jets. (criminal and constitutional complaints)