Keiko Fujimori recognized as supreme head of Peru's Armed Forces and Police

Peru's new president, Keiko Fujimori, has been formally recognized as the supreme commander of the nation's Armed Forces and National Police. The official ceremony occurred at the Government Palace in Lima, framed as an act of respect for institutionalism and democratic order. Fujimori, who commenced her 2026-2031 presidential term on Tuesday, received the insignia and baton of command from General César Augusto Briceño, head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces. The event was attended by key figures, including the Ministers of Defense and Interior, along with the chiefs of various military branches and the national police. In her inaugural address, Fujimori signaled her intention to empower the military to lead operations against organized crime. She stated that the Armed Forces would temporarily assume security and internal order operations in areas declared under a state of emergency. Strengthening the National Police is also a stated priority. Following the security forces recognition ceremony, the first Council of Ministers meeting convened, led by Prime Minister Luis Galarreta, to approve initial government measures. President Fujimori is also scheduled to preside over the traditional civic-military parade celebrating Peru's 205th independence anniversary. Her ascension to the presidency marks the return of Fujimorismo to Peruvian governance, nearly 26 years after her father, Alberto Fujimori, resigned amid a corruption scandal.