Trending 
Peru’s conservative President Keiko Fujimori has taken office, promising to tackle rising crime and restore security after winning a closely contested presidential election.
Fujimori was sworn in on Tuesday before Congress after defeating her rival by fewer than 50,000 votes in June’s presidential runoff.
“I swear … that I will faithfully carry out the duties of president of the republic,” Fujimori said during her inauguration ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by several Latin American leaders, including Argentina’s Javier Milei, Chile’s Jose Antonio Kast, Bolivia’s Rodrigo Paz, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa and Uruguay’s Yamandu Orsi.
A group of left-wing lawmakers walked out of the chamber in protest during the ceremony.
The 51-year-old president has made fighting crime a key focus of her administration, as Peru faces one of its worst security crises in decades, driven by criminal gangs involved in extortion and violent attacks.
Fujimori has proposed measures including deporting undocumented migrants, creating courts with anonymous judges and introducing work programmes for prisoners.
Her supporters say she can bring stability to the country, while critics fear her approach could repeat the abuses linked to her father, former President Alberto Fujimori.
Alberto Fujimori ruled Peru in the 1990s and was later imprisoned for corruption and crimes against humanity committed during his government’s fight against terrorism.
“She is going to be a replica of her father,” said 80-year-old retiree Cesar Fuentes, expressing concerns over possible human rights abuses.
However, supporter Nelly Vega said she believes Fujimori “is going to lead us to something better,” adding that Peru is facing serious security challenges.
Fujimori has also promised to address the impact of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which experts predict could become one of the most severe since 1998.
Her Fuerza Popular party holds the largest bloc in Congress but does not have enough seats to pass major reforms without support from other political groups.
Fujimori’s presidency comes after a decade of political instability in Peru that saw eight leaders leave office through resignations, removals or political crises.
However, her return to power remains controversial.
On Monday, more than 100 people held a vigil in Lima to remember victims of abuses committed during her father’s administration.
“We expect nothing good from her,” said Marly Anzualdo, whose brother disappeared during Alberto Fujimori’s rule.
The new president has called for political reconciliation, but families of victims continue to demand justice for past human rights violations.
