Lead

Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s first female president on July 28, marking a historic milestone for the Andean nation and a significant shift to the right in Latin America. The ceremony, broadcast on Peru TV, was attended by several regional leaders, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Bolivia’s Rodrigo Paz, and Chile’s José Antonio Kast, as reported by TASS and the Buenos Aires Times.

“I, Keiko Fujimori, swear that I will faithfully fulfill the duties of president entrusted to me for the term of 2026-2031,” she said during the inauguration, according to TASS.

Fujimori, 51, is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, who ruled from 1990 to 2000 and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for human rights violations. Her victory came after three previous unsuccessful bids for the presidency—in 2011, 2016, and 2021—each ending in a runoff defeat, as noted by TASS.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the inauguration varied in focus. Al Jazeera emphasized the challenges Fujimori faces in uniting a divided country, noting that many are skeptical she can fulfill her promise to bring Peruvians together. The outlet also highlighted the symbolic weight of her father’s conviction and imprisonment for human rights abuses and corruption, questioning whether his example would guide her government.

The Buenos Aires Times centered its reporting on President Milei’s diplomatic efforts, detailing his bilateral meeting with Fujimori in Lima shortly before the ceremony. The outlet framed the meeting as part of Milei’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with conservative governments across Latin America, while also noting the diplomatic tensions Milei left behind in Brazil, where he again described President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a “thief.” Lula subsequently skipped Fujimori’s inauguration, according to the Buenos Aires Times.

The Buenos Aires Times also reported that Argentina’s presidential spokesman, Adrián Ravier, downplayed the dispute, calling it “a question between presidents” and stressing it should not affect Argentina-Brazil relations, given Brazil’s status as Argentina’s largest trading partner.

TASS, in a more neutral and factual tone, focused on the swearing-in ceremony itself, Fujimori’s political program, and her family background. The Russian state agency noted the presence of Milei, Paz, and Kast at the ceremony but did not delve into diplomatic dynamics.

Key Claims

  • Keiko Fujimori is Peru’s first female president, a fact reported by Al Jazeera and TASS.
  • Her victory margin was narrow, defeating left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez in the presidential runoff, according to the Buenos Aires Times. Al Jazeera also described the victory as narrow, without naming the opponent.
  • Fujimori’s father, Alberto Fujimori, was convicted and imprisoned for human rights abuses and corruption, as reported by both Al Jazeera and TASS.
  • Fujimori will govern until 2031, as stated by TASS and the Buenos Aires Times.
  • President Milei met with Fujimori in Lima, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times.
  • Milei has diplomatic tensions with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, including Milei’s description of Lula as a “thief” and Lula’s decision to skip the inauguration, as detailed by the Buenos Aires Times.
  • Fujimori’s political program includes using military intelligence and other army units to combat violence and organized crime, as well as transferring control of the penitentiary system to the military during its reform, according to TASS. Her economic plan focuses on boosting production sectors like mining, processing, and energy, creating jobs, and supporting businesses, as well as closer cooperation with the United States and right-wing regional leaders.

Perspectives

Peruvian Government (Keiko Fujimori)

Fujimori’s public statements, as quoted by TASS, underscore her commitment to her presidential term and her policy agenda, which emphasizes security measures and economic development. She has positioned herself as a leader seeking to strengthen ties with the US and conservative regional allies.

Argentine Government (Javier Milei)

Milei’s meeting with Fujimori reflects his foreign policy strategy of consolidating a right-wing bloc in Latin America, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times. His spokesman, Adrián Ravier, sought to contain the fallout from the Brazil dispute, emphasizing that it should not affect bilateral relations.

Brazilian Government (Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva)

While no direct statement from Lula was included in the provided material, his decision to skip Fujimori’s inauguration, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times, indicates tension between Brazil and Argentina, and potentially with Peru’s new government.