31 July 2026

Keiko Fujimori Latest Latin American Conservative Leader Elected

Keiko Fujimori
Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's president last 27 July, becoming the latest in a string of conservative leaders elected across Latin America by voters frustrated by crime, weak economic growth and political instability.

The 51-year-old daughter of former President ‌Alberto Fujimori is Peru's first-ever elected female head of state.

Her victory in June's presidential runoff marked the return of one of Peru's most influential and ‌polarizing political dynasties and capped a political comeback after years of failed bids.

"I assume office with the firmness needed to govern, but also with the sensitivity required to listen to and heal the wounds of our people," Fujimori said in her first address as president, calling for reconciliation after a close election race marked by allegations of fraud.

"We must have the courage to face our reality head-on, without anesthesia, without makeup, and without half-truths," she said.

Fujimori will be Peru's 10th president since 2016 following a tumultuous decade in which no leader completed a full five-year term.

Her election extends a broader rightward shift across Latin America, with a string of recently elected leaders advocating closer ties with the U.S. and tougher policies on crime.

Fujimori has said there ‌is "very significant space" for cooperation with the administration of U.S. ⁠President Donald Trump and expressed interest in Peru joining the "Shield of the Americas," a regional initiative proposed by Trump to combat transnational crime.

Washington has made one of its strongest efforts in years to deepen ties with Peru, a major copper and critical minerals producer ⁠with strategic Pacific ports, in an effort to counter China's influence in the region.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau attended the inauguration and met with Fujimori in Lima ahead of the ceremony, a post by Landau on X showed.

Argentine President Javier Milei, Antonio Kast of Chile and Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia were also in attendance.