Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's first democratically elected female president on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone in the country's political history as she assumes office following a narrowly contested election and a decade of political instability.

Fujimori, 51, took the oath of office before Congress after defeating left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez in the June runoff by fewer than 50,000 votes. The result ended her three previous unsuccessful presidential bids and returned the Fujimori political dynasty to the presidency.

In her inaugural address, Fujimori pledged to restore security, strengthen the economy and promote national reconciliation in a country that has experienced years of political turmoil.

She announced plans to intensify the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and illegal mining by increasing the role of the armed forces in the country's most violence-affected regions. Her administration has also proposed expanding infrastructure investment through public-private partnerships, raising the minimum wage and improving social welfare programs while preparing for climate-related challenges, including the impacts of El Niño.

The inauguration ceremony, however, underscored Peru's deep political divisions.

Lawmakers aligned with the left boycotted or staged protests during the ceremony, continuing to challenge the legitimacy of the election and demanding investigations into past human rights issues and institutional reforms. Roberto Sánchez has continued to dispute the election outcome, alleging irregularities, although electoral authorities officially certified Fujimori's victory.

Fujimori takes office amid significant political challenges. Peru has cycled through multiple presidents over the past decade, reflecting persistent institutional instability and repeated confrontations between the executive and Congress. Despite her Popular Force party emerging as one of the largest political forces in the legislature, it does not hold an outright majority, meaning her government will likely need support from other parties to advance its legislative agenda.

Her presidency is also viewed as part of a broader conservative shift across Latin America, where several countries have recently elected right-leaning governments amid growing public concern over crime, economic uncertainty and governance. Conservative leaders from across the region attended the inauguration ceremony, signaling support for the new administration.

Fujimori, the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, inherits an economy heavily dependent on mining exports while facing mounting pressure to improve public security, rebuild trust in democratic institutions and restore political stability after years of upheaval. (ILKHA)