Alberto Fujimori: Peru’s Controversial Former President Dies at 86
Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s former president who led the country through a decade marked by economic revival and a brutal crackdown on insurgency, has passed away at the age of 86. His death on Wednesday in Lima was announced by his daughter, Keiko Fujimori, via a post on X.
Fujimori, who governed Peru from 1990 to 2000 with increasing authoritarianism, left behind a complex legacy. He was pardoned in December from his convictions for corruption and responsibility for the murder of 25 people during his presidency. His daughter, Keiko, revealed earlier in July that he intended to run for the presidency again in 2026.
From Outsider to President
Fujimori, a former university president and mathematics professor, was an unlikely candidate when he entered the political arena. In the 1990 election, he unexpectedly defeated renowned writer Mario Vargas Llosa. As an outsider, Fujimori capitalized on the public’s disillusionment with the existing political class, which had failed to address runaway inflation and the violent Shining Path insurgency.
During his presidency, Fujimori implemented drastic economic reforms, including mass privatization, which helped stabilize Peru’s economy. His government also took on the Shining Path, capturing its leader, Abimael Guzmán, in 1992—a victory that boosted Fujimori’s popularity.
The Rise of Authoritarianism
However, Fujimori’s tenure took an authoritarian turn. In 1992, he controversially shut down Congress and the judiciary, accusing them of obstructing his efforts to reform the economy and defeat the insurgency. This move, while initially tolerated by many Peruvians, sparked international condemnation. His administration also oversaw numerous human rights abuses, including forced sterilizations and the killings of civilians during the campaign against the Shining Path.
Despite the controversies, Fujimori was re-elected in 1995 after his supporters in Congress amended the constitution, allowing him to serve two consecutive terms. His political dominance continued until a series of corruption scandals in 2000 led to his downfall.
The Fall from Power
Fujimori’s presidency collapsed dramatically when a video emerged showing his intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, bribing officials. As the scandal unfolded, Fujimori fled to Japan and faxed his resignation to the Peruvian government. Five years later, in a dramatic twist, he was arrested in Chile and extradited to Peru, where he faced charges of corruption and human rights violations.
In 2007, Fujimori became the first former president in the world to be convicted for human rights abuses committed during his own rule. While he was not found to have directly ordered the killings, he was held responsible as they were carried out under his government’s authority.
The Legacy of Fujimori
Fujimori remained a significant political figure in Peru despite his conviction and imprisonment. His daughter Keiko made several bids for the presidency, narrowly losing in 2011, 2016, and 2021. She campaigned on promises to free her father and restore his political legacy.
Alberto Fujimori’s death marks the end of an era for Peru. For some, he will be remembered as the leader who saved the country from economic collapse and terrorism. For others, his authoritarian methods and the human rights abuses committed during his rule will forever tarnish his legacy.
Fujimori is survived by his four children, including Keiko and Kenji, both of whom pursued political careers. His daughter Keiko announced his passing, asking for prayers for his soul after a long battle with cancer.
His presidency, filled with triumphs and controversies, remains a stark reminder of the delicate balance between power and democracy in Latin America.