Peru’s political landscape is shifting as the party led by president-elect Keiko Fujimori secured the Senate presidency. The victory was achieved through an alliance with another conservative party, a move that prepares the legislative groundwork for the incoming administration. This development comes as the nation reinstates its bicameral system for the first time in over three decades.
The leadership selection occurs just two days before the scheduled July 28 presidential inauguration, which will mark the start of the 2026-2031 term. While the Senate leadership is now set, officials are expected to determine the leadership of the 130-member lower house in the coming hours.
Torres, who was elected to the Senate presidency for a one-year term, emphasized a commitment to restoring public trust during his swearing-in ceremony. He stated that the government's goal is to foster a more “prudent” state. Torres, a lawyer who served in the legislature from 2016 to 2020, also serves as Peru’s second vice president-elect, having run on the ticket alongside Fujimori and first vice president Luis Galarreta.
The new bicameral Congress faces the challenge of overcoming the governance crisis that has prevailed in the Andean nation and has seen eight presidents come and go in the last decade. None of the political forces hold a majority, meaning the assembly must navigate a fractured landscape. The annual legislative session for the Congress is set to officially commence on Monday.
