Keiko Sofía Fujimori Higuchi, the eldest daughter of Alberto Fujimori, has had a significant impact on Peruvian politics, both as the First Lady of Peru during her father’s presidency and as a political leader in her own right.
Her journey from being thrust into the national spotlight to becoming one of Peru’s most prominent political figures reflects her deep connection to her father’s controversial legacy.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on May 25, 1975, in Lima, Peru, Keiko Fujimori is the daughter of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori and Susana Higuchi. Her parents, both of Japanese descent, were prominent figures in Peruvian politics. Keiko was the eldest of four children,
with siblings Kenji, Hiro, and Sachi. As the oldest, Keiko often found herself mediating between her parents, who had a tumultuous relationship, and acting as a stabilizing force for her siblings.
Keiko’s father, Alberto Fujimori, became president of Peru in 1990, a position he held until 2000. His presidency was marked by significant economic reforms but also widespread human rights violations and corruption scandals. Keiko’s early years were shaped by her father’s rise to power and the controversies surrounding his administration.
Education and Rise to Prominence
Keiko Fujimori attended prestigious schools in Lima for her primary and secondary education before pursuing higher education in the United States. She obtained a degree in Business Administration from Stony Brook University and later completed her studies at Boston University.
Her path to political prominence began unexpectedly when, in 1994, her father stripped her mother, Susana Higuchi, of the title of First Lady. This decision came after Susana publicly accused Alberto Fujimori of corruption and human rights abuses.
Keiko, still a student at the time, was asked by her father to step into the role of First Lady, making her the youngest person to hold the title in the Americas.
First Lady of Peru
As First Lady from 1994 to 2000, Keiko Fujimori was thrust into a symbolic role, often accompanying her father to official events and managing charities.
She headed the Fundación por los Niños del Perú (Foundation for the Children of Peru) and later established the Fundación Peruana Cardioinfantil, a foundation focused on helping children with congenital heart diseases.
However, her tenure as First Lady was not without controversy. Keiko faced criticism for downplaying allegations against her father, including human rights violations and corruption. Despite this, her role solidified her position as a prominent figure in Peruvian politics and set the stage for her future political career.
Keiko Fujimori’s Political Career
After leaving her role as First Lady in 2000 following her father’s resignation and exile to Japan, Keiko Fujimori took time to further her education, completing her MBA at Columbia University. However, her father’s arrest in 2005 and subsequent extradition to Peru reignited her political ambitions.
In 2006, Keiko returned to Peru and successfully ran for Congress, becoming a prominent voice for Fujimorismo, a political ideology centered on her father’s policies. She became the leader of the Fujimorist party, Popular Force, and used her platform to defend her father’s legacy while advocating for her own political vision.
Presidential Campaigns and Challenges
Keiko Fujimori ran for the presidency of Peru three times—in 2011, 2016, and 2021—each time reaching the second round of voting but ultimately being defeated. Despite her electoral losses, she has remained a central figure in Peruvian politics, with a strong base of supporters who appreciate her father’s economic reforms and tough stance on terrorism.
Her political career has been marked by controversy, much like her father’s. Keiko has faced accusations of corruption,
particularly regarding campaign financing, and was even jailed in 2018 during an investigation into illegal contributions from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. Despite these challenges, she continues to be a major player in Peru’s political landscape.
Keiko’s Complex Relationship with Her Mother
Keiko Fujimori’s relationship with her mother, Susana Higuchi, has been complicated. During her time as First Lady, Keiko distanced herself from her mother’s allegations against Alberto Fujimori, calling them a “legend.”
This stance led to significant public criticism, as many perceived it as a betrayal of her mother, who had accused Alberto of human rights abuses, including torture.
However, in later years, Keiko reconciled with her mother, and Susana supported her daughter’s political campaigns. This reconciliation helped soften Keiko’s image and showed a more personal side to her often politically charged public persona.
Alberto Fujimori’s Legacy and Keiko’s Role in Peruvian Politics
Alberto Fujimori’s presidency remains one of the most divisive in Peru’s history. While some praise his economic reforms and defeat of the Shining Path, a Maoist insurgency,
others condemn the human rights violations and corruption that marred his time in office. Keiko has inherited this complex legacy, and her political career has been shaped by her efforts to both defend and distance herself from her father’s actions.
Throughout her career, Keiko has faced accusations of benefiting from her father’s alleged corruption. Reports suggest that the cost of her education in the United States was funded through illicit means, with ties to Vladimiro Montesinos, the head of Peru’s National Intelligence Service under Alberto Fujimori.
Despite these controversies, Keiko Fujimori has maintained a strong political base, particularly among Peruvians who remember her father’s role in stabilizing the country’s economy.
Conclusion
Keiko Fujimori’s journey from First Lady to one of Peru’s most influential political figures has been marked by both triumph and controversy. Her close ties to her father, Alberto Fujimori, have defined much of her career, and she has navigated the complex legacy he left behind. While her political future remains uncertain, Keiko continues to play a central role in Peruvian politics, with a dedicated base of supporters and a divisive public image.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Keiko Fujimori? Keiko Fujimori is a Peruvian politician and the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori. She served as First Lady of Peru from 1994 to 2000 and has been the leader of the Fujimorist political party Popular Force since 2010.
What is Fujimorismo? Fujimorismo refers to the political ideology associated with Alberto Fujimori’s policies, which include economic reforms, a tough stance on terrorism, and strong governance. Keiko Fujimori has continued to promote this ideology through her political career.
What controversies surround Keiko Fujimori? Keiko Fujimori has faced accusations of corruption, particularly related to campaign financing. She was also jailed in 2018 as part of an investigation into illegal contributions from the Odebrecht scandal.
How many times has Keiko Fujimori run for president? Keiko Fujimori has run for the presidency of Peru three times—in 2011, 2016, and 2021. She reached the second round of voting in each election but was ultimately defeated.
What is Keiko Fujimori’s relationship with her mother? Keiko Fujimori’s relationship with her mother, Susana Higuchi, has been complex. They were estranged during Keiko’s time as First Lady but later reconciled, with Susana supporting her daughter’s political campaigns.