Overview
- President José María Balcázar said Wednesday he will postpone the $3.5 billion purchase of 24 F‑16 Block 70 jets until the next government, citing urgent budget needs in health, water and education.
- Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela and Defense Minister Carlos Díaz resigned Wednesday, saying contracts or a supreme decree had been signed and that a first payment was due the same day.
- De Zela accused the president of lying about the contract status, while Balcázar denied that charge and framed the delay as a prudent fiscal choice that does not break with the United States.
- Congressional pressure grew as the chamber’s leader warned of a grave political crisis and Congressman Ilich López said he will promote a censure motion against the president.
- The U.S. ambassador met Peru’s prime minister Monday during the turbulence over the deal and, according to De Zela, expressed confusion over mixed statements, highlighting diplomatic stakes in a bid that favored Lockheed Martin over rival offers from Rafale and Gripen.