Keiko Fujimori is inaugurated as Peru's President following narrow election victory

Lead

Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's president on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after winning the June runoff by a margin of fewer than 50,000 votes. The conservative leader, 51, takes office as Peru's ninth president in a decade, vowing to stabilise the country's turbulent politics and tackle the wave of crime sweeping the nation.

Coverage comparison

Reports of the inauguration agree on the central facts: Fujimori's narrow victory, her focus on security, and her intention to align more closely with the United States. However, the coverage varies in emphasis and detail.

Al Jazeera reported that Fujimori's government plans to join President Donald Trump's Shield of the Americas coalition and deepen relations with the US, which it sees as a "strategic partner". According to the outlet, newly appointed Foreign Minister Carlos Espa said Peru would also work to restore diplomatic ties with Mexico and Colombia and take initial steps to rebuild relations with Venezuela.

Deutsche Welle placed the inauguration in the context of social polarization and Peru's strategic importance, describing the country as "one of the key battlegrounds" in the growing competition between the US and China for political influence in South America. The outlet noted Fujimori's promises of security, economic recovery, and improvements in health and education.

France 24 — English focused on Fujimori's security agenda, reporting her announcement to deploy the military to areas affected by crime, drug trafficking and illegal mining. The outlet also mentioned her proposal to expel undocumented people as part of her crime-fighting strategy.

South China Morning Post and The Hindu — World both highlighted Fujimori's aim to stabilise Peru's politics after a decade of instability. Both outlets noted that her Popular Force party and its main ally will hold half the Senate seats, making it harder for legislators to remove her.

Key claims

Fujimori won the election by fewer than 50,000 votes, as reported by Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, The Hindu, and France 24 — English. She was sworn in on Tuesday, becoming Peru's ninth president in a decade, according to South China Morning Post and France 24 — English.

Her government will focus on security and fighting crime, a claim carried by multiple outlets. Specific measures include deploying the military to areas affected by crime, as reported by France 24 — English, and building four mega-prisons modeled after El Salvador's Cecot facility, according to Deutsche Welle and South China Morning Post. Fujimori has also proposed expelling undocumented people, a claim carried by France 24 — English alone.

Regarding foreign policy, Al Jazeera reported that Peru plans to join the Shield of the Americas coalition and deepen ties with the US. Deutsche Welle noted Fujimori's intention to align more closely with the US and other conservative governments. The claim that Peru has become a key battleground in the US-China competition was carried by Deutsche Welle, and Al Jazeera reported that the Trump administration has sought to counter Beijing's growing influence in Latin America.

Fujimori's Popular Force party will hold half the Senate seats, as reported by South China Morning Post and The Hindu — World.

Perspectives

Fujimori's security approach

Fujimori has pledged an "iron fist" against crime, promising to deploy the military during states of emergency, build megaprisons, and enable judges to hide their identities. This approach has drawn both support and concern. Retiree Cesar Fuentes told France 24 — English he fears the crackdown will lead to abuses, saying "She is going to be a replica of her father." Housewife Nelly Vega expressed optimism, saying "She is going to lead us to something better." Political science expert Eliana Carlin, quoted by Deutsche Welle, said she is concerned about the human rights implications of Fujimori's plans.

Regional and international alignment

Fujimori's foreign policy signals a shift toward closer ties with the US. Foreign Minister Carlos Espa described the US as a "strategic partner", and the government plans to restore diplomatic ties with Mexico and Colombia. The outgoing administration of President Donald Trump has reportedly invited right-wing leaders to align with its agenda in the region, as reported by Al Jazeera.