Alberto Beingolea will be Minister of Culture: profile of the former congressman and sports journalist who is part of Keiko Fujimori's cabinet

Keiko Fujimori assumed the presidency of Peru on Tuesday, marking the beginning of her 2026-2031 term as the first woman elected to the office by popular vote. During a ceremony at the Government Palace, she swore in her first cabinet, which is led by First Vice President and Fuerza Popular secretary general Luis Galarreta. The new ministerial team consists of 19 portfolios, featuring the appointment of Alberto Beingolea as Minister of Culture and Vladimiro Huaroc Portocarrero as Minister of the Environment.

The composition of the cabinet has drawn attention for its gender disparity, as only two of the 19 ministerial positions are held by women. The formation of the government has already faced political friction; during Fujimori’s inaugural address, members of left-wing congressional benches exited the chamber in protest. This move was subsequently criticized by Argentine President Javier Milei, who characterized the lawmakers' actions as intolerant.

In terms of policy, the administration has announced an increase in the minimum wage and a corresponding compensatory bonus. While micro and small businesses have expressed that they do not anticipate a sector-wide collapse due to the wage hike, they noted that the economic impact will depend on the specific details of the promised bonus. The new government has also signaled a diplomatic focus on the United States and has appointed a military official to lead the Ministry of the Interior.