Lima: In a dramatic political development, Lima’s outspoken mayor Rafael López Aliaga, widely known by his nickname “Porky,” has announced his resignation to contest Peru’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for April 2026. His decision comes at a time when the nation faces deep political instability and a growing public demand for leadership renewal.
López Aliaga confirmed that his official resignation will be tendered at 3:30 p.m. local time (2030 GMT). He justified his move by stating that Peru needs “strong and uncompromised leadership” to navigate its ongoing political and economic challenges. López Aliaga, who ran unsuccessfully for president in the last election, believes the country now stands at a critical juncture and that he can provide a path to stability and reform.
At present, López Aliaga leads the right-wing Popular Renewal Party, and he is considered one of the early front-runners in the 2026 race. According to the latest Ipsos survey, he commands around 10% voter support, making him the only candidate with double-digit backing so far. However, the poll also revealed a vast field of undecided voters around 39% which underscores how fluid and unpredictable the upcoming contest remains.
Peru’s election laws require any sitting official seeking the presidency to resign their current post at least six months before the vote, a rule López Aliaga has now complied with. His departure marks the beginning of an intense campaign season that will feature a record 39 registered parties and alliances, according to the country’s National Jury of Elections.
López Aliaga’s resignation follows a turbulent period in Peruvian politics. His party, once a supporter of former President Dina Boluarte, recently turned against her amid corruption allegations and growing unrest. Just last week, the Peruvian Congress voted unanimously to remove Boluarte from office, ending her controversial tenure. Following her ouster, Congress President José Jerí assumed the presidency in line with constitutional succession, becoming yet another in a long line of leaders to take power amid crisis.
This latest upheaval underscores the volatility of Peru’s political climate, where alliances shift rapidly and institutional trust continues to erode. López Aliaga has sought to position himself as a populist alternative to the revolving door of presidents that has plagued the nation over the last decade.
Since 2018, Peru has witnessed multiple presidential changes, each fueled by corruption scandals, protests, and constitutional disputes. The political turbulence has also resulted in three former presidents currently serving prison terms, further diminishing public confidence in government institutions.
In this context, López Aliaga’s presidential bid taps into widespread frustration with Peru’s political elite. His campaign is expected to center on anti-corruption, law and order, and economic recovery themes that resonate strongly among voters weary of instability.
However, critics remain skeptical of López Aliaga’s confrontational style and hardline rhetoric. His nickname “Porky,” derived from a cartoon character, has become symbolic of both his populist appeal and the polarizing image he carries within Peruvian society.
As the 2026 election approaches, Peru stands at a crossroads. With the electorate deeply divided and trust in public institutions at an all-time low, López Aliaga’s move adds yet another layer of uncertainty to a nation already struggling to find its footing.
Whether his departure from the Lima mayoralty will translate into national leadership remains to be seen but his decision has undeniably altered the dynamics of Peru’s political race, setting the stage for one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.