The return of Fujimori: surprise and controversy in Peru following presidential announcement

The Peruvian political landscape has taken an unexpected turn with the announcement that former president Alberto Fujimori, 85 years old, will run as a presidential candidate for the 2026 elections. This news has generated surprise and controversy in a country that still vividly remembers Fujimori's years in government, marked by the fight against terrorism from the Shining Path and a series of corruption scandals that led him to spend 16 years in prison. Fujimori's return to the political arena comes amidst a series of health problems, including a recent surgery to implant a hip prosthesis and treatment for a cancerous tumor in the tongue. Despite his advanced age and judicial history, the former president seems determined to regain power and compete with at least 30 other candidates in the upcoming elections. Fujimori's candidacy was announced by his daughter, Keiko Fujimori, leader of the Fuerza Popular party, who stated that both she and her father have decided that he will be the presidential candidate. This news has sparked speculation about the role Keiko will play in the campaign and whether she will eventually accompany her father on the presidential ticket. However, Fujimori's candidacy faces several legal obstacles, as Peruvian law prohibits those convicted of corruption from running for public office. Despite this, experts point out that it is likely that Fujimori will register his candidacy and then be removed from the presidential ticket, which would not prevent his supporters from backing him at the polls. Fujimori's return to politics also rekindles the debate about his legacy in the country. While some remember him as the president who faced terrorism and achieved economic stability, others see him as an authoritarian responsible for serious human rights violations and corruption cases. His pending legal proceedings, both for him and his daughter Keiko, add an element of uncertainty to his possible return to power. The figure of Alberto Fujimori has been controversial since his release from prison in 2023, when he was granted a humanitarian pardon that was later revoked by the Supreme Court. Since then, he has sought to rebuild his image and present himself as a viable option to lead the country once again, highlighting his alleged economic reforms and criticizing his opponents. The announcement of Fujimori's candidacy has elicited mixed reactions in Peruvian society, with some supporting him for his past in combating terrorism and others rejecting his return to power due to his judicial background. The road to the 2026 elections promises to be tumultuous and full of challenges, with the return of a controversial figure who continues to divide opinions in the country. Amidst this uncertain landscape, the figure of Alberto Fujimori once again emerges as a symbol of Peru's complex political history, with its highs and lows that still resonate in the collective memory. The decision to run for the presidency at 85 raises questions about his health, his legacy, and his impact on the future political landscape of a country in search of stability and progress.