Alberto Fujimori’s Death and its Legacy in Peru
The recent death of Alberto Fujimori, president of Peru from 1990 to 2000, marks the end of a deeply polarizing era in Peru’s history, yet his legacy remains divisive. Widely known for his hardline response to the Maoist guerrilla group, the Shining Path, and his ability to stabilize Peru’s economy amid a severe financial crisis in the 1990s, Fujimori is both celebrated and condemned. His administration's success in cracking down on insurgencies and revitalizing the economy starkly contrasts his authoritarian methods and involvement in widespread corruption.
One of the darkest aspects of Fujimori’s legacy is his role as the intellectual author of the Colina Group, a military death squad responsible for human rights violations during the fight against the Shining Path. His government not only suppressed the guerrilla threat but also dissolved Congress, reshaped the military, and intimidated the judiciary, journalists, and political dissidents—signaling the collapse of democratic norms. Fujimori’s tenure is often referred to as “electoral authoritarianism,” where elections existed but were manipulated, and democratic institutions were systematically undermined.
Despite these authoritarian practices, many Peruvians still support and praise Fujimori. In fact, following his death, the country declared 3 days of mourning to honor his memory. In my opinion, this reflects a broader global trend of declining satisfaction with democracy. Across various countries, including Peru, the erosion of trust in democratic institutions has led to the rise of strongman leaders. Fujimori’s popularity is rooted in his ability to deliver results in areas crucial to people’s lives, particularly security and economic stability. For many, these achievements justified his dictatorial behavior and human rights abuses.
This phenomenon is not unique to Peru. Around the world, citizens facing crises are increasingly willing to trade democratic freedoms for strong, decisive leadership that addresses their immediate needs. This can also be exemplified by the case of Nayib Bukele, also known as the “World’s Coolest Dictator” in El Salvador, where his results from building a mega prison and lowering crime rates by 70% overshadow his successful rewriting of the constitution to be able to serve a third term.
These examples of strongmen leadership highlight the vulnerability of countries where dissatisfaction with democratic processes can lead to the rise of authoritarian figures who promise to solve pressing issues like insecurity and economic hardship, even at the cost of civil liberties and institutional integrity. It is crucial that while citizens prioritize issues that affect them greatly, we as a global community also uphold the values of democracy and its institutions. Promoting democratic principles is essential for ensuring long-term stability and fostering comprehensive civilian participation in governance, thus safeguarding against the erosion of democratic norms.