The President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, expressed her expectation on Tuesday that Congress will make a decision on the legislative powers request submitted by the Executive Branch and rise to the challenges facing the country, particularly crime and the El Niño phenomenon alert.
"We have two major urgent issues: El Niño phenomenon and crime. A request for legislative powers has been submitted to Congress. Four weeks have passed, and so far, nothing has happened. They are testing our patience," Fujimori said during a working visit to Ica region.
The Head of State stressed that the powers requested do not respond to the Executive Branch's particular interests, but rather aim to provide it with additional tools to combat crime.
"Today, we hope to receive positive news. This is not about the Government; it is about measures that will be taken to better combat this scourge of crime and delinquency," Fujimori stated.
"We have also heard the Prime Minister say that his republican patience is being tested. That means upholding the institutional framework," she added.
In this regard, the top official stressed that respect for democratic procedures and parliamentary timelines is part of the institutional conduct upheld by her administration.
"Respect for democracy is not a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it demonstrates respect for our rules and laws," Fujimori emphasized.
The President lamented the attitudes of certain political groups.
"Congress is expected to be able to consider the proposal put forward by the Juntos por el Perú parliamentary group today, which is truly disappointing," Fujimori said.
"However, I appeal to the goodwill and positive attitude of the other political groups," she said during her 16th working visit.
Fight against crime
The Head of State made it clear that a potential rejection by Congress will not prevent the Government from continuing to take action against criminal organizations within the limits of the democratic order.
"We also want to tell the population that we will take all necessary measures to tackle this scourge, whether or not Congress grants us legislative powers," Fujimori stated.
"All measures will be taken within the democratic framework, of course. The only blow to be struck will be against organized crime," she pointed out.
Regarding the measures taken so far to address public insecurity, the President mentioned changes in the leadership of the Peruvian National Police and the National Penitentiary Institute, as well as the recent dismissal of the chief from El Milagro Prison.
Furthermore, the top official highlighted Peru's inclusion into the "Shield of the Americas" and the exchange of information with other countries to combat criminal organizations operating beyond national borders.
"We are receiving very important information from the FBI. As a result, you can see that arrests are being made not only of Peruvian criminals but also of international criminal gangs. We have arrested Los Pulpos' leader in Bolivia as well," she indicated.
The Head of State explained that the requested legislative powers would allow the Armed Forces to work alongside the National Police in combating crime.
"The request for legislative powers will be important in strengthening this Government's political resolve to tackle crime," she emphasized.
Support for Interior Minister
Regarding the censure motion against Interior Minister Cesar Astudillo, the President expressed her support for the Cabinet member, whom she described as a "national hero."
"He is someone who knows perfectly well what it means to face an enemy. In this context, I believe that perhaps the most radical parliamentary group, which obstructs everything the Government proposes and has promoted the censure motion, will vote against him," Fujimori said.
"But I hope the other political groups will prioritize and recognize the importance of the minister," she underscored.
Education system reform
At another point, the President said that, in addition to addressing the country's urgent problems, the Government will foster reforms aimed at improving the quality of education over the next five years.
"Just as we have discussed urgent issues, we have also addressed other fundamental reforms," Fujimori said.
"Over the next five years, as part of our efforts toward social transformation, we must improve the quality of education," she added.
Among the announced measures, the top official mentioned renovating 500 schools a year, expanding internet connectivity at educational institutions, and establishing a school to strengthen the training of principals.
"We will provide satellite connectivity so that all schools are connected starting in July next year. We will work closely with teachers and also establish a school for principals," she explained.
Regional and Municipal Elections
Regarding the regional and municipal elections scheduled for this Sunday, the President ruled out making any comments of a partisan political nature.
"I will not make any partisan political comments. The only thing I can do is offer citizens a reflection so that they can make an informed choice," she indicated.
Finally, the President assured citizens that her Government will work with the authorities who are elected.
"I will work with each and every one of them, whoever is elected, regardless of their political affiliation. What matters here is working for the development of our country," she concluded.
The President made these remarks after inaugurating a riverbank protection system along the Chico and Matagente Rivers in Chincha Province, Ica region.
The project entails an investment of S/809 million (about US$235 million) and includes more than 62 kilometers of rock-reinforced embankments designed to reduce the risk of river overflows and flooding in Chincha province.
The infrastructure directly benefits 39,371 residents of Alto Laran, Chincha Baja, El Carmen, and Tambo de Mora districts.
Agrarian Development and Irrigation Minister Marco Vinelli, Regional Governor Jorge Carlos Hurtado, and local authorities also attended the event.
Publicado: 29/9/2026