Peru's interim president faces constitutional complaint over F-16 jet purchase

Peru's interim President José María Balcázar has been formally accused in a constitutional complaint related to the controversial purchase of F-16 fighter jets from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The deal, valued at $3.5 billion, is now under scrutiny for alleged abuse of authority and incompatible negotiation.

The complaint targets Balcázar's actions in April when he reportedly directed the ministers of Defense, Economy, and Finance, as well as Foreign Relations, to proceed with a $462 million advance payment to Lockheed Martin for 24 F-16 aircraft. The filing argues that the interim president allegedly overstepped his authority by ordering payments without formal notification to the Council of Ministers or a report to the Congressional Defense Commission.

According to the complaint, the undue interest is evidenced by Balcázar's dual role: signing the decree authorizing the purchase while publicly denying its existence. The document notes that the president himself stated on May 4 that the purchase was made "by hand," implying a lack of transparency or proper procedure. While the constitution grants immunity to sitting presidents, Balcázar is scheduled to leave office on July 28, when Keiko Fujimori is set to be inaugurated.

Given Balcázar's impending departure, the complaint requests the Public Ministry to initiate preliminary investigations immediately and defer formal charges until after he relinquishes his presidential duties. This situation unfolds weeks after the Congress summoned Prime Minister Luis Arroyo to explain the jet acquisition. Arroyo defended the purchase as an "unpostponable necessity" for national sovereignty and state security, asserting that the established acquisition procedures were followed. He also noted the decision was made in December during the government of former President José Jerí.

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habría abusado de sus atribuciones al disponer a sus ministros de Defensa, Economía y Finanzas y de Relaciones Exteriores que efectúen el pago de 462 millones de dólares a Lockheed Martin como adelanto de la compra de 24 aviones F-16