Peru President Balcazar criticized as Congress and Lima mayor warn of crisis over potential Castillo pardon

Lima mayor Renzo Reggiardo called on President José María Balcazar to reflect on circulating reports of a possible pardon for former president Pedro Castillo, warning that such a measure could trigger an institutional crisis amid the presidential runoff. Reggiardo also noted the municipality’s rejection of a rally request by the Juntos por el Perú party in the historic center, directing the event to an alternative location.

Several members of Congress, including Edwin Martínez, Eduardo Salhuana and Jorge Montoya, expressed strong opposition to any pardon, saying it would undermine the rule of law and could lead to a censure motion against the president. They highlighted the risk of politicising the judiciary and urged the executive to focus on a smooth transition to the next administration.