Peru's Prime Minister Reversal: Denisse Miralles Sworn In After Hernando de Soto Is Sidelined
In a significant display of political instability, Peruvian President José María Balcázar appointed economist Denisse Miralles as Prime Minister on February 24, 2026, abruptly reversing his earlier decision to name former presidential candidate Hernando de Soto to the role. The sudden change occurred just hours after de Soto claimed to have finalized cabinet arrangements with the president. While the Presidency cited a lack of consensus due to the transitional government's brief term and emphasized technical criteria, de Soto stated he learned of his removal via television broadcast. The incident highlights deep ideological tensions within Peru’s fragmented political landscape, particularly between Balcázar’s leftist Perú Libre party and de Soto’s pro-market views. Vladimir Cerrón, founder of Perú Libre, had publicly opposed de Soto’s appointment. The new cabinet retains several ministers from the previous administration under interim president José Jerí, aiming for continuity ahead of the April general elections. De Soto warned that failing to implement structural reforms against organized crime and opaque economic interests could exacerbate national instability during the critical electoral period.
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Peru's Prime Minister Reversal: Denisse Miralles Sworn In After Hernando de Soto Is Sidelined
In a significant display of political instability, Peruvian President José María Balcázar appointed economist Denisse Miralles as Prime Minister on February 24, 2026, abruptly reversing his earlier decision to name former presidential candidate Hernando de Soto to the role. The sudden change occurred just hours after de Soto claimed to have finalized cabinet arrangements with the president. While the Presidency cited a lack of consensus due to the transitional government's brief term and emphasized technical criteria, de Soto stated he learned of his removal via television broadcast. The incident highlights deep ideological tensions within Peru’s fragmented political landscape, particularly between Balcázar’s leftist Perú Libre party and de Soto’s pro-market views. Vladimir Cerrón, founder of Perú Libre, had publicly opposed de Soto’s appointment. The new cabinet retains several ministers from the previous administration under interim president José Jerí, aiming for continuity ahead of the April general elections. De Soto warned that failing to implement structural reforms against organized crime and opaque economic interests could exacerbate national instability during the critical electoral period.
Perú Reports