Fujimori sworn in as Peru's president, names cabinet

Keiko Fujimori officially took office as Peru's president on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, appointing Luis Galarreta, the secretary-general of her Fuerza Popular party, as her prime minister. Fujimori, the political heir of former president Alberto Fujimori, had announced key cabinet appointments the day prior, including economist Elmer Cuba as Minister of Economy and Finance and lawyer Carlos Espá as chancellor.

In her inaugural address to Congress, Fujimori outlined her administration's priorities. She pledged to grant the military greater authority to combat organized crime, implement reforms within the prison system, and raise the minimum wage by 15%, from 1,130 to 1,300 soles (approximately $382 USD). She also stated her intention to focus on citizen security and prepare the country for potential flooding associated with the El Niño phenomenon.

The swearing-in ceremony was not without incident. A group of leftist parliamentarians staged a walkout, chanting "Justice for the victims!" and displaying photos of individuals affected by state violence during Alberto Fujimori's presidency. Her father, who served from 1990 to 2000, is currently serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity and was implicated in the repression following the ouster of former president Pedro Castillo.

Fujimori, who becomes Peru's first elected female president after three previous second-round losses, began her speech after the protesters departed. Her administration faces the immediate challenges of addressing citizen insecurity and preparing for environmental concerns, while also navigating the political sensitivities surrounding her family's legacy.