Erfurt Castillo Vera was sworn in as Peru’s new Minister of Education on Tuesday, February 24, in a ceremony at the Government Palace, according to reports from multiple Peruvian news outlets.
The appointment of Castillo Vera is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle led by Prime Minister Denisse Miralles, following the election of José María Balcázar as President of Congress and, subsequently, as President of Peru on February 18. Balcázar’s ascent to the presidency followed a parliamentary censure vote against former President José Jerí.
Castillo Vera replaces Jorge Eduardo Figueroa Guzmán, who briefly held the position under the previous administration. His appointment comes just days before the start of the school year and amidst a state of emergency declared in several regions due to heavy rains that threaten to disrupt classes, as reported by Infobae.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Castillo Vera holds a doctorate in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Labor Administration and Industrial Relations and a Diploma in Reengineering and Innovation Processes. He has experience in human resources management, having worked in both public and private sector organizations, focusing on corporate culture, talent management, and institutional performance. He has also served as a consultant specializing in organizational and human capital issues, advising on modernization and internal management optimization.
In addition to his professional experience, Castillo Vera has lectured in undergraduate and graduate programs, promoting research and organizational strengthening as foundations for efficient and people-centered administration.
Alongside Castillo Vera’s appointment, Hugo Begazo was sworn in as the new Minister of the Interior, and Fátima Altabás Kajatt as the new Minister of Culture, both as part of Balcázar’s new ministerial cabinet.
Prior to assuming the presidency, José María Balcázar met with residents of Barbadillo in early February. In December 2025, he received Irma Castillo, the sister of a former president convicted of attempting a coup d’état in 2022, at the presidential palace.