Peruvian Congress sets July 26 end date for interim President José María Balcázar

The President of the Peruvian Congress, Fernando Rospigliosi, issued an official notice to interim President José María Balcázar stating that his constitutional mandate ends on Sunday 26 July 2026. The notice also scheduled a protocol ceremony for the hand‑over of the presidential sash on Monday 27 July.

Balcázar, backed by the Fujimorista camp, argued that he remains president until the inauguration of elected President Keiko Fujimori on Thursday 28 July, as required by article 116 of the Constitution. He submitted an appeal to the Congress on 21 July asking that the sash‑hand‑over be moved to the 28th to avoid any “vacuum of power.”

Legal scholars and former officials have highlighted a potential constitutional gap for 27 July, questioning the Congress’ unilateral date‑setting. Critics say the parliamentary move lacks a solid legal basis and could create a brief period without a clear head of state. The dispute has sparked political debate but does not affect the scheduled inauguration on 28 July.