Overview
Juan José Santiváñez has stepped down as Peru’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights, announcing his resignation just days before the Congreso was set to debate a motion of censure. The move, described by sources as a verbal communication in the Council of Ministers, signals a swift exit from a cabinet reshuffle that has already stirred controversy in recent weeks and raises questions about the stability of the Dina Boluarte administration in the run-up to the 2026 General Elections.
What happened
According to reports from RPP and other outlets, Santiváñez conveyed his decision verbally this morning within the Council of Ministers. He is expected to submit the formal resignation to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) on Thursday to finalize his departure from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (Minjus). The timing places his exit ahead of a Congressional review of the censure motion, shaping how the government will navigate the subsequent political rearrangements.
Background and context
Santiváñez’s return to the cabinet occurred on August 23, when he replaced Juan Carlos Alcántara in the Justice portfolio. The announcement came after weeks of controversy surrounding his return to the executive branch. Previously, while serving as Interior Minister, Santiváñez had been censured by Congress in March for political responsibility and what lawmakers described as an incapacity to address rising insecurity across the country. The juxtaposition of a minister facing a prior censure and his subsequent reappointment added to the perception of a volatile cabinet and heightened scrutiny of the Boluarte administration’s ability to maintain public trust.
Political context
The resignation unfolds amid persistent speculation about Santiváñez’s possible involvement in the upcoming general elections in 2026. While such speculation is not uncommon for senior ministers, it underscores broader questions about continuity, confidence within the administration, and the government’s capacity to manage security and justice issues in a fragile political environment. The Congress has been debating how to respond to the censure motion, and Santiváñez’s departure could influence the momentum and direction of that process.
Implications for the government
With Santiváñez exiting the Minjus, the Boluarte administration faces the immediate task of appointing a successor who can navigate a delicate political moment. The vacancy may prompt a hastier selection process within the executive, while opposition lawmakers will reassess their leverage and public messaging around justice, accountability, and governance. Observers note that cabinet stability has been a recurring challenge, and this resignation could either trigger a broader cabinet reshuffle or a targeted replacement that seeks to calm markets and reassure citizens about rule-of-law commitments.
Next steps and timeline
The formal resignation will be processed through the PCM, after which a new minister would need to be named and sworn in. The timeline also affects the trajectory of the censure debate in Congress; as the minister of record changes, lawmakers may adjust their approach or seek further clarifications from the executive branch. In the weeks ahead, officials, analysts, and political observers will closely watch how this development interacts with the government’s broader strategy to address security, justice, and institutional reform ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
Timeline
Aug 23: Santiváñez returns to the cabinet as Justice Minister. March (earlier): censured during his tenure as Interior Minister. Mid-September: verbal resignation communicated in the Council of Ministers; formal submission to the PCM anticipated the next day.
