Keiko Fujimori Inaugurated as Peru's President Following Narrow Election Victory

Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as the president of Peru, becoming the country's first-ever elected female head of state. Fujimori assumed office following a narrow victory in June's presidential runoff against leftist congressman Roberto Sanchez, winning by fewer than 50,000 votes. Her inauguration marks her return to power after several failed bids and follows a tumultuous decade in which Peru has seen nine or ten different presidents.

In her first address, Fujimori pledged a hardline approach to security, vowing a military-led crackdown on gang violence, extortion, and illegal mining. On the economic front, she announced a 15% increase in the minimum wage—raising it from 1,130 to 1,300 soles—and promised to prioritize public works, such as roads, while improving the business climate to foster investment.

The inauguration was attended by several international leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Fujimori expressed interest in deepening ties with the United States and joining the "Shield of the Americas," a regional initiative proposed by Donald Trump to combat transnational crime. She has also appointed Elmer Cuba as economy minister, Carlos Espa as foreign minister, and Guillermo Shinno to lead the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

The event was met with protests in Lima from left-wing activists and civil society groups. Roberto Sanchez has alleged electoral fraud, though sources note he has not provided evidence for these claims. Lawmakers from Sanchez's party walked out of Congress during Fujimori's speech.

Outlets of different political leans framed the event through distinct lenses. Center-right sources frame her victory as part of a broader Latin American rightward shift driven by voter frustration with crime and instability. Center-left sources emphasize the "shadow" of her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, who was convicted of human rights abuses, and characterize her win as the start of a new era of "fujimorism." Center sources focus primarily on the immediate security pledges and the narrow nature of the electoral victory.