Keiko Fujimori Sworn In as Peru's President, Becomes First Woman Elected by Popular Vote

Conservative politician Keiko Fujimori was sworn in during a formal ceremony in Lima on Tuesday (28th), becoming Peru's ninth president in 10 years and the first woman in the country's history to be elected president through popular vote.

The 51-year-old conservative politician Keiko Fujimori narrowly defeated leftist opponent Roberto Sanchez by fewer than 50,000 votes in the June presidential runoff, ending a streak of three previous failed presidential bids.

Fujimori pledged during her inauguration to faithfully carry out the duties of the president of the republic and fulfill the 2026–2031 term entrusted to her by the Peruvian people. She also promised to restore national stability after years of political turmoil in Peru.

Over the past decade, Peru has seen a series of presidents removed, resigning, or stepping down before their terms ended. However, Fujimori's party, Popular Force (Fuerza Popular), is currently the largest bloc in Congress, and together with its main right-wing allies, holds half the seats in the new Senate, making her impeachment more difficult. Still, the right-wing coalition has not secured an outright majority, so Fujimori will need to seek support from other parties to advance her policy agenda.

Security has been a central issue in this election. With the expanding influence of domestic and foreign criminal groups, Peru has seen a surge in violent crimes such as extortion and contract killings in recent years, heightening social anxiety.

During her campaign, Fujimori advocated an 'iron-fist' approach to crime, including building large-scale prisons modeled after El Salvador, using anonymous judges in criminal cases, deporting undocumented immigrants, and requiring prisoners to work in exchange for meals.

Supporters hope these measures will curb crime, but critics worry that hardline policies could lead to law enforcement abuses and erode basic civil liberties. On the eve of her inauguration, relatives of victims of past state violence held a protest in Lima, demanding accountability for human rights violations committed during her father's rule.

Keiko Fujimori is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori. At age 19, after her parents' public split, she took on the role of First Lady and has remained active in Peruvian politics ever since.

Alberto Fujimori came to power in the 1990s and was praised by supporters for suppressing the Maoist rebel group 'Shining Path' and controlling hyperinflation. However, he was later convicted of corruption and crimes against humanity committed during counterinsurgency operations and served 16 years in prison. This deeply divisive legacy has brought Fujimori political support while also raising concerns among some citizens that a return of the Fujimori family to power could lead Peru back to authoritarian rule.

Cesar Fuentes, an 80-year-old retiree, said he fears Fujimori could become a replica of her father and worries the government may expand its powers under the guise of fighting crime.

Still, others hope the new administration will improve the deteriorating security situation. Nelly Vega, a 68-year-old housewife, said she believes Fujimori can lead Peru toward a better future, as people currently live in a country filled with fear.