Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s president on Tuesday after securing victory in a June presidential runoff with a margin of fewer than 50,000 votes. The 51-year-old conservative leader and four-time presidential candidate heads Peru’s largest political party and assumes office during a period of significant political instability in the nation.
Peru has experienced substantial leadership turnover in recent years, with only three of its nine presidents over the past decade having been elected by popular vote. The remaining leaders came to power following resignations or congressional removals tied to protests and corruption allegations. Fujimori’s party, Popular Force, along with its main coalition partner Popular Renovation, will control half the Senate seats once the new legislature convenes, providing her administration with increased legislative protection against potential removal attempts.
During her campaign, Fujimori emphasized addressing crime, a major concern in the nation where extortion operations have proliferated. She pledged to implement strict security measures, including some approaches modeled after policies in El Salvador, and announced plans for infrastructure development through enhanced public-private partnerships. Upon taking office, she declared that the military will lead security operations in crime-affected areas and announced a 15% increase in the minimum wage while pledging to address malnutrition in rural communities.
Opposition groups have called on the incoming government to reverse recent legislation they contend weakens anti-corruption and organized crime efforts. They have also requested an investigation into civilian deaths that occurred during anti-government protests in late 2022 and early 2023. Protesters demonstrated outside parliament during the inauguration ceremony, with some refusing to recognize Fujimori’s authority.
Fujimori’s victory reflects a broader regional trend toward conservative leadership in South America, following recent conservative electoral successes in neighboring nations. Peru maintains relative economic stability compared to other Latin American countries, with conservative fiscal policies and controlled interest rates, though critics highlight growing disparities in living standards between coastal and highland communities.
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