Resignation of Peru’s Justice and Human Rights Minister
In a development that underscores ongoing political volatility in Peru, Justice and Human Rights Minister Juan José Santiváñez announced his decision to step down. According to sources cited by Radio Programas del Peru (RPP), he communicated the resignation verbally to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday morning, and was expected to formalize the move by submitting the official document to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) the following day. The timing places the outgoing minister at the center of a charged moment for the Boluarte administration, just days before a congressional debate on a motion of censure against him.
Context: Why now?
The resignation comes as Congress prepared to discuss a motion of censure against Santiváñez, accusing him of lacking the minimum conditions of suitability, trust, and probity to lead the Justice and Human Rights portfolio. The move is widely seen as a response to persistent questions about his leadership style and his ability to steer a ministry often at the nexus of security, crime, and civil liberties — a volatile mix in Peru’s current political climate.
Backstory and cabinet return
Santiváñez had just returned to the cabinet under President Dina Boluarte on the previous Saturday, August 23, stepping into the post previously held by Juan Carlos Alcántara. His return had already sparked debate because, during a prior tenure as Interior Minister, he was censured by Congress in March for political responsibility and alleged incapacity to address the surge in insecurity. Critics argued that such a history complicates his current mandate and raises concerns about governance and accountability within the administration.
Speculation about 2026 elections
With his departure, speculation has grown regarding Santiváñez’s possible involvement in the upcoming General Elections scheduled for 2026. While there is no official confirmation, analysts note that cabinet changes can reflect broader strategic calculations in a long electoral cycle and a highly polarized political environment. The resignation adds another layer to a year marked by cabinet reshuffles and scrutiny of executive leadership.
What happens next?
At the moment, the formal resignation has yet to be filed in official documents, and the PCM will handle the procedural steps to appoint an interim or new minister. The cabinet is expected to address the leadership transition and continue governance while Parliament considers any related motions. The normal process would involve formal publication of the resignation and a presidential decision on the selection and timing of a successor, all occurring within the framework of Peru’s constitutional and administrative rules.
Background
Juan José Santiváñez has occupied prominent roles within Peru’s government, including a controversial period as Interior Minister that culminated in a congressional censure earlier this year. His latest exit from the Justice and Human Rights portfolio highlights the persistent tensions between executive ambition, legislative oversight, and public demand for security and rule-of-law reforms in Peru.
