Summary of Key Points
In July 2026, Keiko Fujimori, a Peruvian of Japanese descent, was elected as Peru's first female president through democratic elections. She is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori and only succeeded after four attempts. Her victory was due in part to the support of the "Fujimorism" ideology left by her father, which resonates with the lower and middle classes, but she also inherits the legacy of his authoritarian rule and corruption. Peru is currently facing three major crises: deteriorating public safety (soaring crime rates), widespread poverty (one-quarter of the population lives in poverty), and the threat of a super El Niño phenomenon that could severely impact the economy and people's livelihoods. Keiko has proposed tough policies to address these issues, but her path forward is fraught with challenges, including opposition from anti-Fujimori forces, risks associated with policy implementation, and the uncertainties of natural disasters, making her presidency akin to walking a tightrope.
The Fujimori Family's Dual Legacy: Both A Blessing and A Burden
Keiko Fujimori's fate is inextricably linked to that of her father, Alberto Fujimori. When he came to power in 1990, Peru was in a state of chaos: inflation was at 7600% (money was almost worthless), and the terrorist group Shining Path was causing widespread violence. He implemented drastic measures to stabilize the economy and restore order, such as cutting government spending and liberalizing prices, which although painful for the people, helped stabilize the economy. He also gave the military significant power and successfully cracked down on the terrorist organization. These actions earned him the support of the lower and middle classes, leading to the formation of a loyal following of "Fujimorism" supporters.
However, Fujimori later turned dictatorial and corrupt, using the intelligence services for assassinations and forced sterilization of indigenous people. In 2000, after a scandal, he fled to Japan and was extradited back to Peru in 2007, where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Keiko became the "First Lady" at the age of 19 and traveled across the country with her father, building political connections and becoming the apparent heir to Fujimorism. However, this made her a target for criticism from opponents who accused her of being complicit in her father's corruption, which was a key factor in her three previous failed presidential runs.
Four Attempts and Finally Success: The Help of Overseas Peruvians
Keiko started running for president in 2011, consistently receiving nearly 50% of the vote but falling just short each time. The reason? Many Peruvians preferred to vote for anyone else rather than a member of the Fujimori family. This time, she won thanks to the votes from overseas Peruvians (about one million living in countries like the United States and Japan). They had less negative memories of her father and endorsed the orderliness associated with "Fujimorism," leading her to a narrow victory with 50.13% of the vote.
Additionally, she showed determination to distance herself from her family's corruption. Her brother, Kenji Fujimori, tried to help their father escape prison through corrupt dealings, but Keiko exposed his actions and removed him from politics, which impressed some moderate voters as a sign of her principles.
How Bad Is Peru Now?
The country she inherited is in a state of crisis:
- Political Paralysis: Eight presidents and 21 prime ministers have been elected in ten years, leaving the government unable to function effectively.
- Deteriorating Public Safety: Extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking are rampant, making even the streets of Lima unsafe.
- Severe Poverty: One-quarter of the population cannot afford food; 12% of five-year-old children suffer from malnutrition, and the minimum wage is just over 2,200 RMB (she plans to raise it to 1,400 RMB).
- Economic Fragility: The economy relies on copper mining and fishmeal exports, but 70% of the workforce is in informal jobs without social security, putting significant pressure on the finances.
The public was fed up with this situation, so Keiko's focus on restoring order resonated with them.
Keiko's Three Major Challenges: Can She Win?
Upon taking office, Keiko announced three main goals: fighting crime, poverty, and the effects of El Niño. Her plans include:
- Crime: Declaring a state of emergency in the capital and affected areas to deploy troops for patrols and to crack down on illegal mining activities (a bold move that could lead to human rights concerns).
- Poverty: Raising the minimum wage by 15% and increasing pensions by tenfold, as well as investing in infrastructure and attracting more copper mining investment to provide formal employment and social security.
- El Niño: Peru is about to experience a super El Niño from late 2026 to 2027, which could cause flooding in the north and drought in the south, leading to crop destruction and a drop in anchovy catches (a global supply issue). She has established a disaster prevention command center under her presidency and restarted delayed infrastructure projects, but these efforts could be vulnerable to corruption.
A Long Road Ahead: Can She Sustain Her Term?
Keiko's path as president is difficult:
- Anti-Fujimori Forces: Opponents will watch her closely for any mistakes, such as military abuse or corruption in infrastructure projects, which could lead to impeachment.
- Policy Implementation: Rising wages and infrastructure costs require funding, and Peru's already strained finances could face further debt.
- El Niño: If the disaster is worse than expected and her measures are insufficient, public anger could turn against her.
In summary, Keiko's plans to bring order to Peru carry both potential benefits and risks. Whether she can succeed depends on a combination of luck and her ability to execute them effectively.
(The translation maintains the original Markdown structure and uses clear, idiomatic English suitable for financial journalism, adapting the text to fit the target audience.)