Keiko Fujimori's Inaugural Address: Inclusion or Illiberal Democracy?
Upon receiving her credentials as president-elect, Keiko Fujimori addressed sectors that did not vote for her or did so with reservations, aiming to build her own discourse. Her speech included promises to repeal anti-crime and artist guild laws, use military and police jurisdiction for official duties, and implement security measures within the rule of law. These actions, she stated, would demonstrate her commitment to defending democracy and serving Peru. Fujimori emphasized that citizen trust is earned through fulfilling promises, not demanded. However, notable omissions from her address were commitments to the independence of powers, non-interference in the judiciary, and the consolidation of individual and social rights like freedom of expression. The absence of these principles suggests a potential for a democracy with a weak rule of law, characterized by limited checks and balances and diminished guarantees, a concept often referred to as 'illiberal democracy.' This concept has been central to political debates in Europe, the US under Trump, and authoritarian regimes in Latin America. The former Hungarian President Viktor Orbán, a proponent of illiberal democracy since 2010, systematically dismantled institutional checks, captured media, and reconfigured the judiciary. Fujimori's focus on inclusion, defined by tangible development goals like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and basic services, signals a potential for efficient governance but raises questions about her commitment to democratic and liberal institutionalism.
The incoming administration's stated focus on tangible development outcomes, such as infrastructure and social services, presents a potential trade-off with the strengthening of liberal democratic institutions. While efficient governance and visible progress can garner public approval, a de-emphasis on the independence of powers, judicial non-interference, and individual rights could lead to systemic vulnerabilities. The historical precedent of 'illiberal democracy' suggests that prioritizing executive efficiency over institutional checks and balances may erode the rule of law over time. Future governance will likely be shaped by the administration's ability to balance the pursuit of development goals with the imperative of maintaining robust democratic safeguards and respecting fundamental freedoms.
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