Keiko Fujimori becomes Peru's first elected female president
Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's president on July 28, becoming the first woman elected to the role following a narrow victory over Roberto Sánchez. Her presidency begins amid chronic political instability and deep divisions.
An inauguration under tension in a Peru in crisis
July 28, 2026, will remain a historic date for Peru. Keiko Fujimori officially took office as president during a solemn ceremony at the Congress in Lima, marking a first in the country's history. Elected in the second round with a lead of fewer than 50,000 votes over her rival Roberto Sánchez, her rise to power comes against a backdrop of political instability and social fractures.
Peru is going through an unprecedented period of institutional turbulence. No president has been able to complete their term, a situation that has deeply eroded Peruvians' trust in their institutions. The arrival of Keiko Fujimori, the first woman elected to this position, could mark a turning point, but her family legacy and the challenges ahead leave many uncertainties.
A divisive name, a controversial legacy
Keiko Fujimori embodies a powerful yet polarizing political dynasty. Daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, who was convicted of human rights violations and corruption, she bears a name that elicits both admiration and rejection. Her father, in power during the 1990s, led a crackdown against the guerrilla group Shining Path while being accused of governing in an authoritarian manner.
However, the fragmentation of the political landscape, where the left-wing opposition retains significant influence, promises complex negotiations to advance her agenda.
Security and firmness: the pillars of her program
The fight against insecurity was at the heart of Keiko Fujimori's campaign. Peru faces a resurgence of crime, particularly extortion affecting urban areas. To address this, she has drawn inspiration from the methods of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, known for his hardline policies against gangs.
Among the measures under consideration are the construction of a mega-prison modeled after El Salvador's and the anonymity of judges in criminal trials to ensure their safety. If implemented, these proposals could profoundly transform the country's security approach.
A government team focused on urgency and international cooperation
The day before her inauguration, Keiko Fujimori revealed the composition of her government. Elmer Cuba, a former member of the Central Bank's board, will head the Ministry of Economy.
During the presentation of her team, the new president emphasized the need to act with "a sense of urgency," while calling for stronger ties with the United States. This orientation could reshape Peru's geopolitical balance, already courted for its copper resources and strategic Pacific ports.
Mixed reactions, between hope and distrust
Keiko Fujimori's inauguration sparked varied reactions. In Lima, protests erupted before and during the ceremony, organized by left-wing groups and human rights organizations. Some demonstrators held up photos of victims of repression under previous governments, highlighting the persistent tensions surrounding her family legacy.
Roberto Sánchez, her defeated opponent, refused to recognize the election results. He announced his intention to challenge the victory before international bodies and to lead an opposition bloc in Congress. This stance could complicate relations between the executive and legislative branches in the coming months.
The ceremony attracted several heads of state and foreign representatives, underscoring Peru's geopolitical importance. The United States was represented by a delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The presence of leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei or Spain's King Felipe VI reflects the country's strategic interest, particularly in the context of growing rivalry between Washington and Beijing in Latin America.
A resilient economy, but persistent challenges
Despite its political instability, Peru remains one of the region's most dynamic economies. Copper exports, the engine of its growth, have supported an economic recovery in recent months. However, the country remains vulnerable to climate fluctuations, such as the El Niño phenomenon, which affects agricultural and fishing production.
In her inaugural address, Keiko Fujimori called for "national reconciliation" to overcome political divisions. She will have to navigate a fragmented Congress, where the support of centrist parties could prove decisive in passing her reforms. Her term promises to be a balancing act between stability and change in a country where recent history has shown the limits of unstable governance.
- Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as President of Peru on July 28, becoming the first woman elected to the position.
- She won the presidential runoff by a margin of fewer than 50,000 votes over her opponent Roberto Sánchez.
- Her platform focuses on combating insecurity, drawing inspiration from the hardline methods of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
- Her family legacy, tied to her father Alberto Fujimori who was convicted of human rights violations, continues to spark controversy.
- Peru faces economic and climate challenges, despite growth driven by copper exports.
Sources
- SCMP World - "Keiko Fujimori sworn in as president of Peru following narrow election victory". (secondary)
- Straits Times SG - "Peru's Fujimori takes power, extending Latin America's rightward tilt". (secondary)
- Tagesschau DE - "Keiko Fujimori assumes the presidency in Peru". (secondary)
- O Globo Mundo - "Keiko Fujimori assumes the Presidency of Peru with the greatest chance of stability in years, despite distrust over her father's legacy". (secondary)
- Clarin Internacional - "Keiko Fujimori sworn in as president and will govern Peru until 2031". (secondary)
- El Tiempo Colombia - "Keiko Fujimori's inauguration LIVE | Elected Vice President José Manuel Restrepo congratulates the President of Peru moments before her swearing-in". (secondary)
- G1 Mundo - "Keiko Fujimori assumes the Presidency of Peru this Tuesday (28) with Javier Milei in the audience". (secondary)
- ABC Internacional - "Follow live the inauguration of the President of Peru, Keiko Fujimori". (secondary)
- G1 Mundo - "Keiko Fujimori takes office as the new president of Peru with a speech on combating crime and climate change". (secondary)
Transparency: 9 sources (0 primary, 9 secondary). Verification: July 28, 2026.
Truthyx - July 28, 2026