Fujimori assumes Peru’s presidency amid narrow victory and regional conservative surge
Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as Peru’s ninth president in ten years following a slim margin of victory. Her administration aims to implement stringent security measures and pro-market economic reforms while navigating a deeply polarized legislature.
A contested mandate in a divided capital
On July 28, 2026, Keiko Fujimori took the oath of office as President of Peru, marking a definitive victory for the Popular Force leader after four attempts at the presidency. The runoff election in June was decided by fewer than 50,000 votes, a razor-thin margin that reflects the profound geographic and social rifts within the nation. While Fujimori commanded strong support in Lima and the Pacific coastal regions, her left-wing opponent, Roberto Sanchez, dominated the Andean highlands. Although Sanchez challenged the results by citing alleged irregularities in overseas consulate voting, electoral authorities dismissed the claims, solidifying Fujimori's position.
The 'Iron Fist' approach to security and economics
Fujimori’s inaugural address outlined an aggressive security agenda intended to combat rising extortion and organized crime. Borrowing strategies from El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, she pledged to construct a megaprison and implement an "iron fist" policy. To safeguard the judiciary against retaliation, she proposed legal reforms allowing judges to preside over criminal trials anonymously. Additionally, Fujimori announced that the military would take temporary command of security operations in high-crime districts.
Regarding the economy, the 51-year-old leader intends to maintain Peru’s reputation for fiscal discipline while addressing social disparities. Key initiatives include:
- A 15 percent hike in the national minimum wage.
- Reorganizing social services to combat malnutrition in rural areas.
- Streamlining private-sector partnerships for large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Preparing for the flooding and environmental disruption associated with the El Niño weather pattern.
Navigating a legacy of political volatility
The new president enters office following a decade of extreme instability where only three heads of state reached power via popular vote. Unlike her predecessors, Fujimori starts her term with a significant legislative advantage. Her Popular Force party and the allied Popular Renovation party control half the Senate, providing a buffer against the impeachment efforts that have de-stabilized previous administrations. However, the shadow of her father, the late Alberto Fujimori, remains a frequent point of contention. While supporters credit him with stabilizing the economy in the 1990s, critics highlight the human rights abuses that led to his eventual imprisonment.
Opposition demands and regional shifts
As the ceremony unfolded in Lima, opposition lawmakers and relatives of victims from the 2022-2023 protests gathered to demand accountability. They are calling for an investigative commission into the deaths of 50 civilians following the removal of Pedro Castillo. Furthermore, critics have demanded the repeal of laws passed by the previous legislature that allegedly hinder investigations into organized crime and restrict the seizure of criminal assets. Fujimori’s inauguration characterizes a broader shift in South American politics; her victory mirrors recent conservative gains in Colombia and Chile, moving the region away from the left-wing dominance seen in previous decades.
Source: The Hindu — World
