In her first speech as Peru’s new president on 28 July, Keiko Fujimori declared that she is “committed to bringing about order and national reconciliation,” insisting that these are “two goals that are entirely compatible”. Few would doubt Fujimori’s commitment to enacting a hardline security agenda, but her pledge to heal Peru’s deep political divisions is likely to be viewed with more scepticism. On the campaign trail Fujimori talked up the polarising legacy of her father, authoritarian former president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000), who crushed a guerrilla uprising and delivered a solidly pro-market constitution while also presiding over systematic human rights abuses and corruption. Memories of her father’s rule handed Fujimori three successive election defeats in 2011, 2016, and 2021, and it could provide the kindling for social unrest now that she has finally entered the presidential palace.End of preview - This article contains approximately 1166 words.
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