Keiko Fujimori calls for reconciliation after decade of political instability in Peru

Peruvian politician Keiko Fujimori has called for national reconciliation to overcome a decade of political instability, speaking after being accredited as the president-elect.

Fujimori, a 51-year-old administrator, narrowly defeated leftist Roberto Sánchez in the second round of the election. She is set to take office on July 28. Peru has experienced significant political turmoil, with eight different presidents since 2016, many removed by Congress or resigning under pressure. Fujimorismo, her political movement, holds a significant presence in Congress.

"Thinking differently does not make us enemies. National reconciliation does not mean forgetting our differences: it means learning to build on what unites us," Fujimori stated in her speech at the National Theater of Lima. She urged political forces, state institutions, unions, and academia to collaborate. Her victory signifies the return of fujimorismo to power, 25 years after her father, former President Alberto Fujimori, was ousted.

Political analyst Eduardo Dargent noted that Fujimori's immediate challenges include "ensuring governability" without a majority in Congress and fulfilling campaign promises to "restore order" amid rising crime. Peru is currently facing its worst security crisis in three decades, with annual extortion complaints increasing more than eightfold between 2018 and 2025, reaching 26,500.

However, public opinion remains divided. Abilia Ramos, 44, who runs a soup kitchen east of Lima, expressed skepticism, stating, "She will not be able to fulfill" promises to curb crime or guarantee basic services. Conversely, television technician Fernando Cumana voiced optimism, saying, "We will move forward (with Fujimori)."

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Ella no va a poder cumplir