Peru's Interim President Faces Constitutional Complaint Over F-16 Jet Purchase

Peru's interim President José María Balcázar is facing a constitutional complaint stemming from the controversial April acquisition of F-16 fighter jets from U.S. company Lockheed Martin for $3.5 billion.

The complaint, filed by former congressman Segundo Montalvo, accuses Balcázar of abuse of authority and improper negotiation. It alleges that the president authorized the purchase under "military secrecy" through a supreme decree, only to later publicly deny the existence of such contracts. The complaint also implicates several ministers and former ministers involved in the deal, which led to the resignations of the former defense minister and the ex-chancellor.

According to the complaint, Balcázar allegedly overstepped his authority by directing ministers to proceed with the payment of a $462 million advance to Lockheed Martin without formal consultation with the Council of Ministers or reporting to the Congressional Defense Commission. The document highlights a "conflict of interest" where the president signed the decree authorizing the purchase while simultaneously denying its existence publicly, even stating the deal was made "by hand" on May 4.

While the constitution grants immunity to sitting presidents, Montalvo noted that Balcázar's term ends on July 28, when Keiko Fujimori is set to be inaugurated. The complaint urges the Public Ministry to initiate preliminary investigations immediately and defer formal charges until Balcázar leaves office. The Prime Minister, Luis Arroyo, had previously defended the jet acquisition as an "unpostponable necessity" when questioned by Congress two weeks after the controversial purchase.