00:00 | Reque (Lambayeque region), Sep. 28.
The
President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, stressed on Sunday that the Government will continue taking action against organized crime while awaiting Congress' approval of the legislative powers requested by the Executive Branch.
The Head of State indicated that these powers will allow the Government to toughen penalties and take stronger action against criminal gangs.
"We are waiting for Congress to grant us legislative powers. We are showing patience because weeks have gone by. However, we continue moving forward regardless of what they say," Fujimori said.
The top official highlighted that Peru recently joined the "Shield of the Americas," saying that international cooperation is essential to tackling criminal organizations operating beyond national borders.
"Today, we face another problem: organized crime. But what is needed to tackle it? First, we must provide political support to the men and women on the front lines, who risk their lives for us," Fujimori stated.
"We must also give them the necessary tools and information," she added.
In this regard, the President underscored the work being carried out with the FBI following Peru's incorporation into the aforementioned multinational organization.
Similarly, she stressed the importance of strengthening efforts to combat crime.
"We have already seen results emerging, but what matters here is the political will to combat these criminal scourges and restore order and peace to Peruvians," Fujimori said.
In this context, the top official acknowledged the efforts of the Armed Forces and the National Police in the fight against terrorism, as she recalled their role in defeating the Shining Path and the MRTA.
The Head of State made these remarks during the inauguration of the new food market in Reque district, Chiclayo province, Peru's northern Lambayeque region, where she received expressions of affection and gratitude from the beneficiaries.
She was accompanied by Production Minister Juan Carlos Requejo, Lambayeque Region Governor Jorge Luis Perez, Reque District Mayor Manuel Neciosup, and Reque Food Market Chairwoman Grace Ramirez.
Reque Market
During her inauguration speech, the President highlighted the transformation of the market and noted that the new infrastructure would significantly increase the number of vendors operating at the facility.
"What a great feeling it is to be here today to see this major infrastructure project, which dates back decades. Initially, it had 60 vendors, but today, as we inaugurate this project, it will be able to accommodate 122 vendors. Twice as many," she explained.
After touring the facilities alongside local authorities, the top official emphasized the functioning of the cold storage room, the distribution of spaces, hygiene standards, and the new infrastructure's features.
"A market is the heart of the neighborhood, the heart of the district, where products from farms and the sea arrive, and then vendors take them to homes through the moms and dads who come to the market," she pointed out.
At another point, the President highlighted that economic growth had risen from 3.1% in the first six months of 2026 to 3.4%, a figure she described as one of the highest rates in Latin America.
The Head of State attributed this progress to the efforts of those engaged in productive and commercial activities on a daily basis.
"It is you who have made it possible for Peru's economic growth, which stood at 3.1% in the first six months of the year, to reach 3.4% today, one of the highest rates in all of Latin America, thanks to the drive and efforts of each and every one of you," she underscored.
More model markets
In turn, Production Minister Juan Carlos Requejo stated that the new infrastructure in Reque aims to become a benchmark for food markets developed in other parts of Peru.
"It is called a model market because it will be the market model that Peru wants. That is what the President has asked us to implement nationwide. This market will serve as a model for other markets throughout the country," Requejo noted.
The Cabinet member detailed the investment worth over S/16 million (above US$4.68 million) required for the project, as well as the 122 stalls, cold storage room, and sanitary conditions provided for the sale of products.
"It is important for Peru, a world leader in gastronomy and biodiversity, to have the best food markets, like those found in the world's leading cities. That is what this Government, under our President, is aiming for, and that is what we want for everyone," he underscored.
Expressions of gratitude
Lambayeque Region Governor Jorge Luis Perez expressed his willingness to continue working closely with the Government to unblock pending projects for the benefit of the region.
Likewise, he stressed the importance of maintaining these efforts over the coming months.
"Madam President, let us work during the months we have left to move these projects forward and understand that hard work will not ultimately be recognized by everyone, but it will be appreciated by good citizens and, above all, blessed by God," Perez stated.
Meanwhile, Reque District Mayor Manuel Neciosup said the new market represents an investment in vendors' well-being and the district's future.
He also thanked President Fujimori for attending the inauguration.
"Madam President, on behalf of all the people of Reque, please accept our gratitude for joining us on this very important occasion," Neciosup said.
"Thank you for visiting our district, sharing this moment with our vendors, and being part of this event, which will remain in the memory of our people," he concluded.
(END) NDP/MCA/MVB
Published: 9/28/2026