Keiko Fujimori Takes Office as Peru's First Female President

Keiko Fujimori is being sworn in on July 28 as the first woman elected president of Peru, marking the return of fujimorismo to the executive branch after 26 years. Fujimori assumed the presidency for the 2026-2031 term after defeating left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez by a margin of fewer than 50,000 votes. This victory came on her fourth attempt at the presidency, following three previous losses in runoff elections.

Fujimori has appointed Luis Galarreta as President of the Council of Ministers, Elmer Cuba to lead the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Carlos Espá as Minister of Foreign Relations. Her administration's immediate priorities include combating organized crime through a "mano dura" (firm hand) approach, promoting economic reactivation, and preparing for the El Niño phenomenon. Additionally, Foreign Minister Carlos Espá indicated that the government seeks to normalize diplomatic relations with Mexico in the shortest time possible.

The inauguration ceremony is attended by a wide array of regional leaders, including presidents from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Panama, Honduras, and Bolivia, as well as King Felipe VI of Spain. The United States is represented by Vice Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The event has served as a gathering for regional right-wing figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Colombian Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo, the latter of whom met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña in Lima to discuss security and economic alliances.

Outlets with a center-left lean frame Fujimori's ascent by emphasizing her father Alberto Fujimori's legacy of corruption and human rights abuses, as well as Keiko's own history of legal battles regarding money laundering. In contrast, center-right outlets focus on the diplomatic opportunities and the administration's goal of achieving concrete results in security and international cooperation. Center-leaning sources frame the event either as a potential break from Peru's cycle of presidential chaos or as part of a broader regional shift toward right-wing populism.