Keiko Fujimori assumed the presidency of Peru on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Congress of the Republic in Lima [4].
Her victory marks a significant right-wing shift in Latin American politics and introduces a new approach to domestic security. Fujimori is the first woman in the history of Peru to be elected to the presidency by popular vote [1].
The 51-year-old politician won the election in June 2026 [1, 5], though the margin of victory was narrow, totaling less than 50,000 votes [2]. She now begins a five-year term focused on political stability, and economic recovery [3].
During her inauguration, Fujimori announced a hardline strategy to address the nation's security crisis. She said that the military will lead the fight against organized crime to restore order. Specifically, she said that the military will recover "internal control" in zones of high criminality [6].
This deployment of armed forces for domestic policing is a central pillar of her administration's plan to combat crime and strengthen the state. The move comes as the new president seeks to stabilize the economy, and reduce the influence of criminal networks across the country [3].
Fujimori's ascent to power follows a period of political volatility in Peru. By placing the military at the forefront of the anti-crime campaign, her government intends to implement a rapid response to insecurity in the most affected regions [6].
“The military will recover "internal control" in zones of high criminality.”
Fujimori's presidency signals a move toward securitization and right-wing governance in Peru. By integrating the military into domestic law enforcement, the administration is prioritizing immediate stability and crime reduction over traditional policing. This approach, combined with her narrow electoral victory, may create a polarized political environment as the government attempts to implement sweeping economic and security reforms.
