'We'll hunt every mafia' - Peru's new president vows
Key Takeaways
- Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's president.
- She pledged a major crackdown on organised crime and extortion.
- Her government plans to use AI and surveillance to fight crime.
The new Peruvian president promised to deploy the military during emergencies, target organised crime and modernise national security with artificial intelligence and surveillance technology.
Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru's president before Congress in Lima on Tuesday, promising an aggressive campaign against organised crime, extortion, drug trafficking and illegal mining.
In her first address as head of state, Fujimori said her administration would use every constitutional measure available to restore security in areas affected by criminal organisations.
"During states of emergency, the Armed Forces will temporarily assume leadership of security operations and internal control in close coordination with the National Police, until the authority of the State is fully restored and those territories are returned to the citizens," she said.
She also vowed to reclaim public spaces from criminal groups.
Fujimori pledged to recover "every neighborhood, every highway, every public space for Peruvian families."
The president announced plans to strengthen public security through a nationwide video surveillance network, artificial intelligence platforms designed to predict and map criminal activity, upgraded communications systems and faster emergency response centres.
"The fight will not be only against the common criminal. We will go after the national and international mafias that finance extortion, contract killing, drug trafficking, and illegal mining," she declared.
On foreign policy, Fujimori said Peru would deepen regional cooperation through the Pacific Alliance with Chile, Colombia and Mexico, while working to revive the Andean Community.
"Our interest is to redouble the ties of cooperation and joint regional work with the always welcome participation of Spain in promoting friendship and the common interests of Ibero-America," she told Congress.
She also pledged to strengthen Peru's role within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and pursue new investment and cooperation opportunities in the Middle East.
Fujimori said Peru's location positioned the country to serve as a bridge between those markets and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Turning to the economy, she promised to accelerate public and private investment in roads, airports, ports and essential services, including water, electricity, telephone networks and internet access.
She said the investments would help reduce the social deficit "that affects millions of Peruvians."
Describing the country as being at a "complex and painful" moment, Fujimori said she was inheriting a state weakened by corruption and thousands of delayed or poorly executed projects.
"I have not come to offer immediate miracles or empty promises. I have come to offer method, discipline, perseverance, and a clear path," she concluded.
Fujimori also pledged measurable goals and continuous accountability throughout her 1,826-day presidential term.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
