**Keiko Fujimori Sworn in as Peru's President Following Narrow Election Victory**
Lima, Peru – Keiko Fujimori was officially sworn in as the president of Peru on July 28, 2026, after securing a narrow electoral win in June against her left-wing opponent, Roberto Sanchez. The inauguration, held at Congress in Lima, took place amid a backdrop of heightened concerns over crime and political instability in the country.
Fujimori, a conservative politician and the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, won the election by fewer than 50,000 votes, marking her first successful bid for the presidency after three previous attempts. Her victory has reignited discussions surrounding her father's controversial legacy, which includes both economic reforms and allegations of human rights abuses during his administration in the 1990s.
During her inauguration ceremony, Fujimori pledged to "faithfully carry out the duties of president of the republic," emphasizing her commitment to restoring stability in a nation that has seen a rapid turnover of leadership in recent years. She becomes Peru’s ninth president in a decade, a period characterized by political turmoil and frequent changes in governance.
Fujimori's political party, Fuerza Popular, holds the largest number of seats in Congress, alongside a right-wing coalition that gives her a significant, though not absolute, foothold in the legislative body. This political positioning is expected to provide her with a degree of protection against potential attempts to remove her from office, which have plagued many of her predecessors.
Central to Fujimori's campaign was a focus on law and order, as Peru grapples with a significant security crisis driven by rising crime rates, including extortion and contract killings linked to both local and international criminal organizations. In response to these challenges, she has promised a tough approach to crime, proposing measures such as the establishment of a mega-prison similar to El Salvador's Cecot facility, the implementation of anonymous judges for criminal trials, and increased deportations of undocumented migrants. Additionally, she has suggested that prisoners should be required to work for their sustenance.
The return of the Fujimori name to the presidency has sparked mixed reactions among the Peruvian populace. Supporters credit Alberto Fujimori with successfully combating the Shining Path insurgency and stabilizing the economy through stringent neoliberal policies. However, his administration's legacy is marred by his conviction on charges of corruption and crimes against humanity, which has led to apprehension regarding Keiko Fujimori's potential governance style.
Critics have expressed concerns that her presidency could mirror her father's authoritarian tendencies. "She is going to be a replica of her father," remarked Cesar Fuentes, a retiree, reflecting the sentiments of many who fear a regression in civil liberties and democratic norms. Opposition groups have also voiced their apprehensions, urging the new administration to reverse recent legislative changes that they believe have undermined efforts to combat organized crime and to investigate past human rights violations.
On the eve of her inauguration, relatives of victims of state violence gathered in Lima to protest Fujimori's incoming government, calling for accountability for abuses committed during her father's rule. The juxtaposition of her election victory with these protests underscores the deep divisions within Peruvian society regarding the legacy of the Fujimori family.
As Keiko Fujimori embarks on her presidency, she faces the formidable task of addressing the pressing issues of crime and political instability while navigating the complexities of her family’s controversial history. Her administration's approach to governance will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally, as Peru seeks a path forward amidst its ongoing challenges.