Martín Vizcarra transitioned from a career in civil engineering to the highest office in Peru, serving as President from 2018 to 2020. His tenure was defined by persistent confrontation with the legislature, ultimately ending in his removal from office following impeachment proceedings. He remained a central figure in Peruvian politics through a period of constitutional instability and legal challenges.
Professional and Early Political Background
Born in Lima in 1963, Vizcarra pursued technical education, graduating from the National University of Engineering in 1984 before completing studies at ESAN University. He spent nearly two decades working for the firm C y M Vizcarra S.A.C. between 1992 and 2010. His transition into public service began with his term as the regional governor of the Moquegua Region, where he served from 2011 to 2014. This period preceded his ascent to national prominence.
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In 2016, Vizcarra joined the presidential ticket of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, successfully securing the position of Vice President of Peru. During this administration, he concurrently held the post of Minister of Transportation and Communications from 2016 to 2017. Following his departure from the ministry, he served as the Ambassador of Peru to Canada from 2017 to 2018, representing his nation abroad before returning to Lima during the political crisis that preceded the resignation of President Kuczynski.
Presidency and Constitutional Conflict
Vizcarra assumed the presidency on 23 March 2018. His administration faced extreme friction with the opposition-led Congress. In September 2019, citing a lack of confidence from the legislative body, he invoked executive powers to dissolve Congress and call for new elections. This move sparked a constitutional crisis that persisted until his impeachment and removal in November 2020 on grounds of moral incapacity. His departure from office triggered widespread street protests across the country.
Post-Presidency and Legal Verdicts
Following his removal, legal scrutiny intensified. In April 2021, the Peruvian Congress voted 86–0 to ban Vizcarra from holding public office for a decade, citing his involvement in the Vacunagate controversy where he allegedly prioritized his own vaccination access. By November 2025, judicial developments resulted in a 14-year prison sentence for the former president, linked to findings regarding bribery during his previous term as governor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Lima
- Education: National University of Engineering (1979-1984)
- Governor of Moquegua Region: 2011-2014
- Minister of Transportation and Communications: 2016-2017
- President of Peru: 2018-2020
- Ambassador of Peru to Canada: 2017-2018
- Languages: Spanish
Questions readers ask
What led to the removal of Martín Vizcarra from office?
The Peruvian Congress impeached and removed him in November 2020, declaring him morally incompetent.
Was he involved in legal proceedings after his presidency?
Yes, he was banned from public office in 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2025 for bribery.
Achievements
- Vice President of Peru (2016–2018)
- Minister of Transportation and Communications (2016–2017)
- regional governor of Moquegua Region (2011–2014)
- President of Peru (2018–2020)
- Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Sun of Peru — 2018
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 2019
- Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry — 2019
- Educated at National University of Engineering and ESAN University
