Alfonso López Chau

Alfonso López Chau
López-Chau in 2024
Rector of the National University of Engineering
In office
28 September 2021 – 7 May 2025
Preceded byPedro Canales García
Succeeded byShirley Chilet Cama
Director of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru
In office
23 November 2006 – 23 December 2012
PresidentJulio Velarde
Personal details
BornPablo Alfonso López-Chau Nava
(1950-07-17) 17 July 1950
Lima, Peru
PartyNow Nation (2023–present)
Other political
affiliations		APRA (1965–1969)
Independent (2010–2023)
ADN–PS (1995)
Union for Peru (2010)
Alma materNational University of Callao (BEc)
National Autonomous University of Mexico (MEc, Doctorate)

Pablo Alfonso López Chau Nava (born 17 July 1950) is a Peruvian economist, academic and politician, who served as rector of the National University of Engineering from 2021 to 2025. López-Chau also was one of the directors of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, chaired by Julio Velarde, having been appointed by the Congress of Peru for the period from 2006 to 2012.[1][2][3]

He is the founder and leader of the Now Nation political party and is running in the 2026 presidential election as the party's candidate.

Early life and education

Pablo Alfonso López Chau was born in Lima and grew up in the Barrio Obrero Frigorífico neighborhood in Callao. In 1976, he graduated with a degree in economics from the National University of Callao. In 1985, he obtained a master's degree in Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.[1][4][5]

According to his own account, he was an Aprista between the ages of 15 and 19, leaving the APRA party during his university studies,[6] and helping to organize the United Left congress. Furthermore, according to his statements, he was a political prisoner twice during the military government of Juan Velasco Alvarado and was later pardoned.[7][8] An opinion column by López Chau was published in 1989 in Cambio magazine, the unofficial publication of the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) far-left guerrilla group.[9] In it, he described Víctor Polay Campos, the MRTA leader then imprisoned, as "a man whose program I don't entirely share, but I believe he is not only a social fighter, but also a political fighter", mentioning his childhood friendship with Polay, and saying that Polay was not "a common criminal."[10][9] During his later political career, the piece went viral due to conflicting opinions on the history of the MRTA.[9] When discussing the topic, López-Chau reaffirmed his condemnation of terrorism and said those criticizing his opinion were engaged in terruqueo attacks against him.[11][12][13] Days later, in interviews and in a column in the newspaper La República, he recounted his condemnation of the insurgent terrorist groups during the 1980-2000 internal armed conflict, contextualizing his personal relationship with Polay from their time in the APRA youth movement; though he did describe his 1989 text to be "lenient."[11][12][13]

Over the decades, he gained experience as a senior professor in the areas of macroeconomics, economic policy, development theories, and political economy at the Faculty of Economic Engineering, Statistics, and Social Sciences of the National University of Engineering (FIEECS UNI). He served as acting dean (2001), director of the Professional School of Economics, and director of postgraduate studies (1998) at that faculty.[5][14] He obtained a doctorate in Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2005.[1][4][5] He won a competition for a professorship as an associate professor in the Political Economy and Macroeconomics courses at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana of Mexico. He has also served as a professor in the doctoral program at the National University of San Marcos and the Center for Higher National Studies (CAEN), having been awarded as a distinguished professor.[14]

Political career

Early political career

In the 1995 general election, he unsuccessfully ran for Congress for the socialist party Apertura para el Desarrollo Nacional, obtaining 1019 votes.[15][16] López Chau temporarily joined Union for Peru in 2010.[17] He was elected by Congress to serve as a director of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP) under chairman Julio Velarde for the period of 2006–2013.[3]

Rector of the National University of Engineering

On 28 September 2021 Rector López Chau, was named rector of the National University of Engineering, one of the largest universities in Peru. During the widespread protests against Dina Boluarte in 2022 and 2023 that resulted in more than 50 people killed, López Chau granted refuge to some demonstrators attempting to avoid protest violence.[18] He agreed to host delegations of university students protesting during the Toma of Lima marches at the university facilities.[19][20]

In late January 2023, the youth protesters from southern Peru began to promote a possible presidential candidacy for López Chau.[21] In February 2023, in the context of discussions about possible snap congressional election,[22] there were suggestions that López-Chau would become the Purple Party's presidential candidate; a few days later, he confirmed dialogue and negotiations with the party, but made it clear that he would not be the organization's candidate in order to continue to adhere to his own democratic principles.[23][24] On 19 July 2023, he participated in the Third Toma of Lima.[25]

In July 2025, the Public Ministry of Peru opened investigations on López Chau for alleged collusion and incompatible negotiation. He faced investigations regarding allegedly appointing Sonia Anapan Ulloa as general secretary, despite her not meeting the requirements of the university statutes and simultaneously holding a position at SINEACE (National System for Evaluation, Accreditation, and Certification of Educational Quality), which would violate public service regulations. Furthermore, her appointment was reportedly not approved by the university council.[26][27] The Ministry also pointed to a salary increase granted to Anapan in less than three months, considered a possible case of undue favoritism. For these acts, a sentence of five years' imprisonment, a fine, and a twelve-year disqualification from holding public office was requested for both.[26][27]

Presidential candidacy

In early September 2023, López Chau began the process of registering the political party Ahora Nación with the National Jury of Elections (JNE).[28] In June 2024, he officially announced his presidential aspirations and stated that he sought to contribute to the creation of a broader coalition of different political parties for the upcoming 2026 general election.[29] He declared that his electoral campaign will be conducted in Spanish and in indigenous languages such as Quechua, Aymara, and Asháninka.[30]

On Sunday, 1 February 2026, he began his presidential campaign in the city of Juliaca, holding a political rally in the city's main square.[31]

Political positions

López Chau defines himself as a center-leftist.[32] He promises to promote the creation of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) so that Peru can invest state resources more profitably. In the fields of industry and engineering, he proposes that the country adopt as a state policy the promotion of the transformation of the productive matrix through the green hydrogen (H2) industry.[14]

He also considers it viable and timely to change the current Constitution of Peru, with the exception of the economic model. He has declared himself a supporter of the 1979 Constitution and proposes updating it while maintaining the social market economy of the 1993 Constitution.[33][34]

Publications

López Chau has published research on alternative development strategies; growth, inflation, and the external sector; as well as international economic policy.[5] He founded and directed the journal Apertura (1992–1996) and has numerous publications and opinion columns in national newspapers and magazines such as El Comercio, La República, Gestión, and Hildebrandt en sus Trece. He has also published in journals and books promoted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).[14]

Books

  • La mejor forma de estabilizar. Invertir-invertir e invertir más[35]
  • Proyecto de nación: liberalismo social o socialismo liberal (2019)[36]
  • Estrategia de desarrollo alternativo para la economía peruana (2020)[37]
  • Unidad, justicia y libertad (2023)[38]
  • Modernidad para todos (2025)[39]

References

  1. ^ a b c "voto-informado-web". votoinformado.jne.gob.pe. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
  2. ^ "Alfonso López Chau: "Qué triste sería la juventud de un país que no protesta por sus muertos"". El País (in Spanish). 28 January 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  3. ^ a b "JURAMENTAN TRES DIRECTORES DEL BCRP DESIGNADOS POR EL CONGRESO" (PDF). Banco Central de Reserva del Perú. 28 November 2006. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Hoja de Vida del Docente:Pablo Alfonso López-Chau Nava" (PDF). Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d "El Dr. Alfonso López-Chau es el nuevo rector de la UNI para el período 2021-2026". Actualidad Minera & Construcción (in Spanish). 1 December 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  6. ^ "Rector de la UNI: "Queremos construir un proyecto de centro izquierda"", Franco y Bravo, 7 August 2024, retrieved 23 April 2025
  7. ^ Casimiro Ore, Diego (10 January 2026). "Alfonso López Chau no quedará fuera de las Elecciones tras conocerse que estuvo en prisión". infobae (in European Spanish). Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  8. ^ "López-Chau reconoce que estuvo en la cárcel, pero afirma que su detención fue política por su oposición a un régimen autoritario". LP (in Spanish). 11 January 2026. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
  9. ^ a b c Villarroel Zurita, Alexander (12 December 2025). "Los atentados perpetrados por el MRTA poco antes de que su cabecilla sea llamado "luchador social" por López-Chau" (in Spanish). El Comercio. ISSN 1605-3052. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
  10. ^ "Alfonso López Chau y el momento en que llamó "luchador político" a Vìctor Polay". Perú 21 (in Spanish). 11 December 2025. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
  11. ^ a b López-Chau, Alfonso. "El terrorismo en el Perú y la verdad histórica frente a la infamia, por Alfonso López Chau". larepublica.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 January 2026. En los últimos días ha vuelto a circular un artículo periodístico que escribí hace aproximadamente treinta y seis años. Al releerlo hoy, con la perspectiva que otorgan el tiempo, la experiencia y la responsabilidad pública, debo ser claro: no volvería a escribir ese texto. Ese artículo pertenece a una etapa de mi vida. Es cierto que, pese a mi discrepancia con los caminos elegidos por quienes optaron por el MRTA, el texto puede transmitir una indulgencia indebida. Esa indulgencia solo puede explicarse —no justificarse— por un vínculo personal previo: una amistad juvenil, entre los 15 y los 20 años, que nunca se tradujo en coincidencia ideológica ni política con el terrorismo. Reconocer esto es un acto de responsabilidad. Quiero ser absolutamente claro. En el artículo periodístico sobre Víctor Polay marqué distancia, como siempre lo he hecho. Esa distancia ha sido constante y coherente a lo largo de mi vida pública y privada. No he respaldado, ni respaldo ni respaldaré jamás la violencia como método de acción política. Condeno de manera categórica todas las acciones terroristas ejecutadas por Sendero Luminoso y por el MRTA, particularmente bajo el liderazgo de Víctor Polay. Dichas organizaciones atentaron contra la vida, la libertad, la democracia y el futuro del país. No existe causa alguna que justifique el asesinato, el secuestro, el miedo ni la destrucción del tejido social. El Perú necesita memoria y claridad. Mi compromiso es con la democracia, el Estado de derecho y la resolución de los conflictos por vías pacíficas e institucionales. Ese ha sido mi norte y lo seguirá siendo. Las ideas evolucionan, las personas maduran y los países aprenden. Asumir con franqueza los errores del pasado no debilita una posición política: la fortalece.
  12. ^ a b "Alfonso López Chau admite 'indulgencia' con terrorista Víctor Polay, excabecilla del MRTA: "Hoy no escribiría ese artículo"". Infobae. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
  13. ^ a b Palomino, Eva (14 December 2025). "López Chau sobre su columna de Víctor Polay: "Combatíamos sus causas desde las instituciones"". larepublica.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  14. ^ a b c d "Rectorado". Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (in European Spanish). 2 June 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  15. ^ "Infogob - Pablo Alfonso López Chau Nava".
  16. ^ Paucar, Luis (13 April 2025). "Alfonso López Chau: perfil del exrector de la UNI que se lanzará como candidato presidencial en 2026". infobae (in European Spanish). Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  17. ^ "Alfonso López Chau pre-candidato de Ahora Nación aclaró la acusación que recibió de tener un pasado Aprista". LA DECANA RADIO JULIACA (in Spanish). 11 February 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  18. ^ "Récord de candidatos para las elecciones en Perú". Página 12 (in Spanish). 28 December 2025. Retrieved 4 March 2026.
  19. ^ ""Bienvenidos a su casa y cuídenla": rector de la UNI da la bienvenida a estudiantes de otras regiones". La República (Perú). Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  20. ^ "Rector de la UNI: En uso de su autonomía, la universidad puede acoger a los estudiantes que vienen a marchar". RPP. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  21. ^ "Usuarios piden a rector de la UNI que se postule a la presidencia en las próximas elecciones: "Aprende Dina"". wapa.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  22. ^ Gómez Vega, Renzo (16 June 2023). "Dina Boluarte sepulta su promesa de adelanto electoral: "El tema está cerrado. Seguiremos hasta julio de 2026"". El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  23. ^ "Alfonso López Chau descarta ser candidato con el Partido Morado: "No me voy a prestar"". La Republica (in Spanish). 10 February 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  24. ^ Rector de la UNI, Alfonso López Chau: “No voy a ser candidato de ningún vientre de alquiler” | #LR (in European Spanish), retrieved 8 December 2023
  25. ^ "'Marcha Nacional': rector de la UNI se une a las protestas en el centro de Lima". La República (Perú). Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  26. ^ a b "Fiscalía acusa a Alfonso López Chau por favorecer a amiga durante su gestión en la UNI | CanalB.pe". canalb.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  27. ^ a b Calderón, Camila (16 July 2025). "Alfonso López Chau acusado de colusión y negociación incompatible por beneficiar en la UNI a trabajadora que no cumplía el perfil". Altavoz (in Spanish). Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  28. ^ Paucar, Luis (11 June 2024). "Alfonso López Chau, rector de la UNI, anuncia su candidatura presidencial: "Es una obligación moral"". infobae (in European Spanish). Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  29. ^ Pereda, David (8 September 2023). "Rector de la UNI, Alfonso López Chau, busca alianza de centroizquierda con partido nuevo". larepublica.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  30. ^ Mandujano, Edgar (30 January 2026). "Alfonso López-Chau lleva su campaña presidencial". Caretas (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  31. ^ Mandujano, Edgar (1 February 2026). "López Chau expuso propuesta presidencial en Puno". Caretas (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  32. ^ Salomé, Percy (28 April 2023). "Rector de la UNI en Huancavelica: "Estoy buscando calentar la existencia de una gran coalición de centro izquierda, ése es mi rol"". HYTIMES.PE (in Spanish). Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  33. ^ Gómez Vega, Renzo (19 June 2024). "Alfonso López-Chau, rector y candidato presidencial peruano: "La Constitución defiende intereses mezquinos; hay que cambiarla"". El País América (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  34. ^ "Dr. Alfonso López Chau propone el retorno a la Constitución de 1979". Infórmate Perú (in Spanish). 21 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  35. ^ "LA MEJOR FORMA DE ESTABILIZAR. INVERTIR-INVERTIR E INVERTIR MÁS". www.libreriasur.com.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  36. ^ López-Chau Nava, Alfonso (2019). Proyecto de nación: liberalismo social o socialismo liberal (Primera edición ed.). Fondo Editorial EDUNI, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería. ISBN 978-612-4396-20-5. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  37. ^ López-Chau, Alfonso (13 March 2021). "Estrategia de Desarrollo Alternativo para la Economía Peruana". Revista IECOS. 2: 10–16. doi:10.21754/iecos.v2i0.1123. ISSN 2788-7480. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  38. ^ "Agencias ISBN". ISBN (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 15 September 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
  39. ^ "Agencias ISBN". ISBN (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 8 July 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.