Keiko Fujimori Inaugurated as Peru's President After Narrow Election Victory
Conservative leader Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's President on July 28, 2026, after winning the June runoff by fewer than 50,000 votes. She becomes the country's ninth president in a decade, aiming to stabilize turbulent politics, reduce crime, and boost economic growth. Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, campaigned on an 'iron fist' security approach inspired by El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, including a megaprison and identity-hiding reforms for judges. She announced a 15% minimum wage increase, military-led security operations in crime-hit areas, and a focus on El Niño preparedness. Opposition lawmakers protested outside parliament, holding photos of 50 civilians killed during anti-government protests in 2022-2023. Fujimori's Popular Force party and its ally will hold half the Senate seats, reducing removal risk. The article notes deep polarization, with Fujimori backed by coastal voters but opposed in the highlands.