Francisco Sagasti is a Peruvian engineer, researcher, and politician who made a significant mark on recent Peruvian history by assuming the presidency during a period of political instability. Born on October 10, 1944, in Lima, he grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment, which allowed him to develop a critical and analytical mindset from an early age. He studied industrial engineering at the National University of Engineering (UNI) in Lima and later obtained a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Penn State University and a PhD in systems planning from the University of Pennsylvania.
Sagasti's career began as a researcher and strategist, primarily focused on development and technology. He worked for several international organizations, including the World Bank and the United Nations, where he specialized in technology development and knowledge management. For many years, he was also a researcher at the Group for the Analysis of Development (GRADE) in Peru and published numerous works on development, science, and technology. As a well-respected intellectual, he dedicated much of his life to thinking about sustainable development and how developing countries can leverage technology to improve their socio-economic conditions.
His political career took a decisive turn when he was elected to the Peruvian Congress in 2020 under the centrist Morado Party, founded by Julio Guzmán. Sagasti quickly established himself as a voice of moderation and dialogue in a highly polarized Congress marked by growing tensions between various political factions. His reputation as a respected intellectual and his pragmatic approach made him a key figure of reason in a political environment often dominated by confrontation.
On November 9, 2020, amidst a political crisis following the impeachment of Martín Vizcarra by Congress, Sagasti was chosen as President of Congress. His election was seen as a compromise to calm the situation after the brief presidency of Manuel Merino, Vizcarra’s successor, sparked massive protests and violent repression that led to the deaths of several young demonstrators. As President of Congress, Sagasti was then required to assume the role of interim president of the Republic on November 16, 2020, in a context of deep social and political unrest.
As interim president, Francisco Sagasti aimed to restore stability in the country and oversee transparent elections that would allow for a smooth democratic transition. Although his mandate was brief, it was marked by his commitment to defending human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Sagasti took steps to ease social tensions by opening dialogue with various sectors of civil society, while also prioritizing the ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under his leadership, Peru continued to face the challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly in relation to vaccine distribution and economic recovery. Sagasti worked to strengthen democratic institutions and sought to restore public trust in the government after the political turmoil that had shaken the country.
Despite his efforts, Sagasti faced criticism from more radical political sectors, accusing him of not acting swiftly or decisively enough. However, his leadership style, rooted in thoughtful reflection, dialogue, and moderation, helped prevent further escalation of conflicts during his tenure.
Francisco Sagasti handed over power to Pedro Castillo on July 28, 2021, following a highly polarized presidential election with contested results. Although he served as president for only eight months, his role in managing this period of crisis left a lasting impact on Peruvian politics. Many view his calm and reasoned approach as instrumental in preventing a more severe institutional breakdown, allowing Peru to maintain its constitutional order.
After stepping down from the presidency, Francisco Sagasti returned to academic life and continues to speak on issues related to governance, development, and science. His legacy as interim president is that of an intellectual leader who, during a critical time, embodied democratic values and the pursuit of the common good.