President of Peru facts for kids

This page is about the president of the Republic of Peru. For a list, see List of presidents of Peru.

Quick facts for kids Constitutional President of the Republic of Peru
Presidential standard
Incumbent Dina Boluarte since 7 December 2022
Executive branch of the government of the Republic of Peru
Style	Madame President (informal) Her Excellency (formal, diplomatic)
Residence	Palacio de Gobierno
Seat	Lima
Appointer	Direct popular vote
Term length	Five years, renewable non consecutively
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Peru (1993)
Inaugural holder	José de San Martín (de facto) José de la Riva Agüero (first to use the title)
Formation	28 February 1823 (202 years ago) (1823-02-28)
Succession	Line of succession
Deputy	First Vice President
Salary	Peruvian soles 15,500/US$ 4,155 monthly
Website	www.presidencia.gob.pe

The President of Peru is the main leader of the country. They are both the head of state (the symbolic leader of the nation) and the head of government (the person in charge of running the country day-to-day). The president leads the executive branch of the government. This means they are in charge of making sure laws are carried out. They also lead the Armed Forces and the National Police of Peru. This makes the president the most important public official in Peru.

The Congress of Peru can remove the president from office. This is because the 1993 Constitution allows for a broad interpretation of "impeachment." This means the president's power is closely watched by the lawmakers.

The president's job is to guide the government's overall plans. They work with the Congress and the Council of Ministers to make new laws and improvements. They also make sure the country's laws are followed. The main office for the president is the Palacio de Gobierno in Lima. This building has been used by Peru's leaders for a very long time.

The current president is Dina Boluarte. She became president on December 7, 2022. She took over after Pedro Castillo.

Presidential Terms and Changes

How Long Presidents Serve

A president is usually elected for a five-year term. They cannot be elected again right away. However, a former president can run for office again after a full term has passed. The new government officially takes over on July 28. This date is important because it marks Peru's independence from Spain. It is a national holiday.

The Congress can end a president's term early. This happens through a process called impeachment. According to the 1993 Constitution, a president can be removed for several reasons. These include death, serious health issues, resignation, leaving the country without Congress's permission, or breaking certain laws.

Some presidents have tried to resign, like Alberto Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Others have been successfully removed by Congress. These include Guillermo Billinghurst, Fujimori, Martín Vizcarra, and Pedro Castillo.

The last president directly elected was Pedro Castillo. He was elected for a term from 2021 to 2026. His Vice President, Dina Boluarte, became president after he was removed from office. This happened after his attempt to take over the government.

Throughout history, some people have claimed to be president but were not officially recognized. Also, 14 presidents came to power through a `coup d'état`. This is when a group takes control of the government by force. The last successful one was by Alberto Fujimori in 1992. He later faced legal consequences for serious wrongdoings.

Becoming President

Inauguration Ceremony

Presidential inaugurations happen in the Congress of the Republic of Peru building in Lima. They always take place on July 28. If a new president takes over unexpectedly, their inauguration happens when they arrive in Lima. The inauguration is followed by a military parade.

Leaders from other countries often attend these ceremonies. This shows support for Peru's democratic process.

The Presidential Oath

During the inauguration, the president-elect takes an oath. This is a promise to faithfully serve the country. The oath is usually said in Spanish. Here is an English translation of a common version:

I, [complete name of presidential elect], swear to God, to the Homeland, and to all Peruvians that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Republic of Peru that has been entrusted to me by the Nation for the period [start of mandate] to [end of mandate], that I will defend the sovereignty of the nation as well as the physical and moral integrity of the Nation, that I will comply and enforce the political constitution and laws of Peru, and that I will recognize, respecting freedoms, the importance of the Roman Catholic Church in the cultural and moral formation of Peruvians.

The president of Congress usually holds the presidential sash before the new president takes the oath. After the oath, the president of Congress gives the sash to the new president. This act shows that the new president is officially recognized.

Most presidents of Peru have been Catholic. They take the oath with a Christian Bible and in front of a Catholic Crucifix.

History of the Presidency

Early Leaders

Before the modern Peruvian state, there were ancient civilizations. The Inca civilization had a leader called the Sapa Inca. Their way of governing was very different from European ideas.

In 1532, Spanish conquerors arrived. They took control and established the Viceroyalty of Peru. This was a Spanish colony ruled by a Viceroy. The Viceroy was the representative of the King of Spain. This period lasted for 282 years.

The Republic of Peru

In July 1821, Peru declared its independence from Spain. The country began to create its own government. In 1822, the Constituent Congress drafted the Constitution of 1823. This constitution officially created the First Republic of Peru. It also defined the three main parts of government: the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.

In 1823, José de la Riva Agüero was appointed as the first President of the Republic. This was the first time the title "President of the Republic" was used. The 1823 Constitution stated that the executive power belonged to a citizen called the President of the Republic.

On July 28, 1827, Manuel Salazar y Baquíjano became the first president elected by the people. This marked the official start of the Presidency of Peru as we know it today.

Presidential Powers and Duties

What the President Does

The President is in charge of running the country's government. Their power helps keep public order inside Peru and protects the country from outside threats. This is all done according to the Constitution and laws.

Here are some of the President's main duties:

Make sure laws, decrees, and resolutions from Congress are followed.
Be the supreme commander of the armed forces.
Organize and oversee fair elections.
Declare war if needed, but only after Congress agrees.
Manage peace treaties and agreements with other countries.
Oversee how public money is spent.
Appoint military officers and government officials with Congress's approval.
Appoint Ministers and diplomats with Congress's approval.
Ensure justice is carried out in the courts.
Keep Congress informed about the country's situation.

What the President Cannot Do

The President also has limits to their power. These are important to prevent too much power in one person's hands:

The President cannot lead the armed forces in person without Congress's permission.
The President cannot leave the country without Congress's permission.
The President cannot do business with members of the Supreme Court.
The President cannot take away a Peruvian's personal freedom. If someone needs to be arrested for public safety, they must be brought before a judge within 24 hours.
The President cannot give out punishments.
The President cannot stop or delay Congress meetings.

Modern Powers (1993 Constitution)

The current Constitution, from 1993, outlines the President's roles. The President is both the Head of State and the Head of the national Government.

Some key functions include:

Following and enforcing the Constitution and laws.
Representing Peru both inside and outside the country.
Guiding the government's overall plans.
Ensuring internal order and external safety.
Calling for elections for president, Congress, and local officials.
Calling special meetings of Congress if needed.
Giving reports to Congress about the state of the country.
Making rules to help carry out laws.
Making sure court decisions are followed.
Leading foreign policy and international relations.
Appointing ambassadors and receiving foreign diplomats.
Leading the National Defense System and organizing the Armed Forces and National Police.
Taking steps to defend the country and its borders.
Declaring war and signing peace treaties with Congress's approval.
Managing public money and negotiating loans.
Granting pardons and reducing sentences.
Giving national awards.
Approving Peruvians serving in foreign armies.
Approving extradition requests (sending someone to another country for trial).
Leading the Forum of National Agreement (a group for national discussions).

The President's actions must be approved by their ministers. The President appoints and removes the Prime Minister and other ministers. Ministers are responsible for their own actions and for the President's actions they approve.

Presidential Symbols

Presidential Sash

Former president Ollanta Humala wearing the presidential sash, plaque and baton

The presidential sash is a very important symbol worn by the President. It has been used since Peru became a republic. It is a red and white band, representing the national colors. The President wears it diagonally across their body. It used to have the Coat of arms of Peru embroidered at the waist. Since 2006, the coat of arms is placed higher, at chest height.

The act of placing the sash on the new president shows a peaceful transfer of power.

Grand Necklace of Brilliance

This necklace is a symbol of the highest authority in Peru. It is made of gold and has diamonds. In the center, there is a medal with the coat of arms of Peru. Some past presidents, like Óscar R. Benavides and Manuel Prado Ugarteche, wore this necklace. Its use became less common after the 1960s. However, Alan García wore it again in 2008.

Plaque

The President also wears a golden plaque on their left pocket. It looks like a shining sun. This plaque shows that the President is the Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces. It represents the military honors worn by past presidents who came from the armed forces.

Staff

A staff or cane can also be a symbol of power. This tradition came from Spain. In Peru, it has not been as common as in some other countries. Instead, military presidents often used a saber or sword. However, some presidents, like Mariano Ignacio Prado and Augusto B. Leguía, were seen with a staff in photos. More recently, Alejandro Toledo and Alan García have used a small presidential staff during ceremonies.

Who Can Be President?

Requirements to Run for President

Over time, the requirements to become president have changed.

The first constitution in 1823 said a president must:

Be born in Peru.
Be a citizen who actively participates in society.
Be over 35 years old.
Have a certain amount of property or income, or be a public professor.

The 1826 Constitution added some ideas about character:

Be a Peruvian citizen by birth.
Be over 30 years old.
Have done important services for the country.
Have known talents in managing the government.
Never have been found guilty of any crime by the courts.

The 1856 Constitution simplified it: be Peruvian by birth, an active citizen, and 35 years old with ten years of living in Peru. The requirement of living in Peru for ten years was removed in 1979.

Current Requirements (1993 Constitution)

Today, to be President of Peru, a person must:

Be Peruvian by birth (not by naturalization).
Be over 35 years old when they apply for the job.
Fully be able to exercise their civil rights (meaning no criminal record or legal disability, and they must have the right to vote).

Also, certain people cannot run for president unless they leave their current job six months before the election. These include:

Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State.
Members of the Constitutional Court, Judicial Power, and election bodies.
The head of the Central Reserve Bank and other financial superintendents.
Active members of the Armed Forces and National Police.
Spouses and close relatives of the current or recent president.

Recent History of Presidents

Peru has a long history of presidents. Some were military leaders, others were elected by the people. The presidency has seen times of peace and times of conflict. Sometimes, more than one person claimed to be president at the same time.

Different titles have been used, like "Protector of Peru" by José de San Martín.

List of Presidents

After the Presidency

Many former presidents of Peru have faced legal challenges after leaving office.

Alberto Fujimori left Peru in 2000. He later returned and faced legal consequences for serious wrongdoings during his time as president. He was released from prison in December 2023.
Alejandro Toledo moved to the United States after his term ended in 2006. He faced legal issues related to misuse of power. He was arrested in California in August 2019 and was sent back to Peru in June 2023 to face trial.
Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, were held for investigation after his term ended. They were later released, and Humala is awaiting trial.
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned in March 2018. He later faced legal issues related to misuse of power. He was arrested in April 2019 and was under house arrest until 2022.
Martín Vizcarra was removed from office and was banned from public office for ten years in 2021 due to his involvement in a vaccine scandal.
Manuel Merino was president for only five days in November 2020. He stepped down after large protests. He was investigated for actions that occurred during these protests.
Alan García faced an investigation related to a large corruption scandal. He passed away in April 2019 during a police action.
Pedro Castillo was removed from office in December 2022 after an attempt to take over the government. He was arrested and is currently in prison facing charges of rebellion and other investigations.
Current President Dina Boluarte is facing an investigation related to her administration's response to social unrest.
Francisco Morales Bermudez, who was president from 1975 to 1980, faced legal consequences in Italy in 2017.

Facts About Presidents

Most presidents have been born in Lima.

Three presidents have been assassinated in Peru's history: Felipe Santiago Salaverry, Tomás Gutiérrez, and Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro. One president, Alan García, passed away during a police action.

The tallest recorded president was Alan García, who was 1.93 meters tall. The shortest was Alejandro Toledo, at 1.65 meters.

The oldest person to become president was Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who was 78 years old. The second oldest was Fernando Belaúnde Terry, who was also 78 when he began his second term.

The president who lived the longest was Francisco Morales Bermúdez, who lived to be 100 years old.

Who Takes Over Next?

If the President cannot do their job, there is a clear plan for who takes over. As of July 2025, the order is:

President of the Republic: Dina Boluarte

First Vice President: (vacant)
Second Vice President: (vacant)
President of Congress: Eduardo Salhuana
First Vice President of Congress: Patricia Juárez
Second Vice President of Congress: Waldemar Cerrón
Third Vice President of Congress: Alejandro Cavero

Facts About Peru's Presidents

Most presidents have been born in Lima. Some presidents have had different backgrounds. For example, Alberto Fujimori had Japanese heritage, and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski had German, Jewish, French, and Polish heritage.

Three presidents have been killed while in office: Felipe Santiago Salaverry, Tomás Gutiérrez, and Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro.

The tallest president recorded was Alan García, who was 1.93 meters tall. The shortest was Alejandro Toledo (2001–2006), who was 1.65 meters tall.

The oldest person to become president was Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016–2018), who was 78 years old.

The president who lived the longest was Francisco Morales Bermúdez (1975–1980), who lived to be 100 years old.