Resignation at a pivotal moment for the government
In a move that reshapes Peru’s justice leadership just days before Parliament weighs a censure motion, Juan José Santiváñez has resigned as Minister of Justice and Human Rights. The decision arrives as the government faces intensified scrutiny and a tense political climate, with speculation mounting over Santiváñez’s possible candidacy in the 2026 General Elections.
Sources close to the administration indicated that Santiváñez communicated his decision verbally on Wednesday to the Council of Ministers. The formal written resignation is expected to be presented to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) on Thursday, finalizing his departure from the ministry. The timing suggests the resignation is intended to precede, or at least not precede, a debate in Congress that could have shaped his tenure and influence in the sector.
Background: Santiváñez’s contested record
The move comes against a backdrop of controversy surrounding Santiváñez’s return to the cabinet. He rejoined the cabinet of President Dina Boluarte on the previous Saturday, August 23, to replace Juan Carlos Alcántara in the Justice portfolio. His return was met with skepticism, given that earlier in March he had been censured by Congress during his tenure as Interior Minister for political responsibility and an alleged incapacity to address rising levels of insecurity. Critics argued that the line between political accountability and executive management blurred under his watch, contributing to a broader debate about the government’s grip on public safety and the Administration’s reform agenda.
Timeline of the resignation
The sequence appears crafted to minimize disruption during a high-stakes week for the Boluarte government. Santiváñez’s verbal announcement to the Council of Ministers signals a managed exit, while the forthcoming formal document ensures a clear and orderly transition. Analysts note that the timing also aligns with the ongoing discussion of a potential political path for the minister beyond the administration, though no official confirmation has been offered by his spokespersons.
What comes next for the Ministry of Justice
With a vacancy at the helm, the government faces decisions about interim leadership and candidate selection for the Justice and Human Rights portfolio. The ministry sits at the intersection of law, public security, and human rights, and successor appointments will be scrutinized for their stance on crime, judiciary reform, and civil liberties—issues that have often dominated political discourse in Peru in recent years.
Wider political implications
Beyond the ministerial vacancy, Santiváñez’s exit contributes to a broader narrative about governance and political strategy as Peru moves toward the 2026 elections. While some see the resignation as a resignation gesture aimed at stabilizing a fragile cabinet, others view it as part of ongoing jockeying within the governing coalition. The prospect of Santiváñez pursuing electoral ambitions has fueled speculation about how his departure might influence intra-coalition dynamics and public perception of the government’s ability to enact policy reform in the justice and security sectors.
As the PCM processes the formal resignation and the legislature prepares to consider the censure matter, Peru’s political landscape remains in flux. The coming days will reveal how the Boluarte administration manages the transition, maintains continuity in policy direction, and addresses the concerns that have shaped public opinion in recent months.
