Keiko Fujimori Higuchi has taken office as the President of Peru for the 2026-2031 term [1].
Her inauguration marks the return of the Fuerza Popular movement to power during a period of severe internal instability. Fujimori inherits a critical security crisis and a volatile political landscape, making her ability to maintain economic stability a primary test of her leadership.
The 51-year-old leader [2] assumed office in July 2026 [3]. She won the presidency after a second-round election victory over opponent Roberto Sánchez. In her first address as president, Fujimori pledged to implement a "mano dura," or hard-line approach, to combat crime and address the security problems plaguing the country.
Foreign policy is expected to be a central pillar of her administration. Fujimori has indicated she will seek to balance Peru's strategic relations with both China and the U.S. as the two superpowers continue to compete for influence in the region.
International reactions have been mixed. Marco Rubio said the investiture of Fujimori provides the stability that Peru needs. Domestically, the transition has been met with skepticism in some sectors. Residents of poor neighborhoods in Lima told reporters, "Que venga acá," urging the president to visit their communities and fulfill her promises to improve safety.
Other political figures have commented on the transition. Susel Paredes said that because this is Fujimori's first job, she will put effort into the role.
Fujimori now operates from the Palacio de Gobierno and the Congress in Lima, where she must navigate the legislative challenges inherent to the Peruvian political system to execute her security and economic agendas.
“The investiture of Fujimori provides the stability that Peru needs”
The return of Fujimorismo to the presidency suggests a shift toward right-wing populism and a more aggressive security posture in Peru. By prioritizing a 'hard-line' approach to crime and balancing ties between Washington and Beijing, Fujimori is attempting to position herself as a stabilizing force. However, the tension between her high-level diplomatic goals and the immediate demands of Peru's impoverished urban populations indicates a precarious domestic balancing act.
