AGP Executive Report

Presidential Handover: Peru’s right-wing president-elect Keiko Fujimori will take office Tuesday, promising a hardline push against gangs and crime, plus steps to tackle El Niño’s expected hit to agriculture. Political Fallout: Her campaign leans on the legacy of her jailed father, Alberto Fujimori, as Peru heads into a deeply divided new term. Diplomacy in Lima: Spain’s King Felipe VI met Fujimori and pledged to strengthen ties ahead of the inauguration. Security & Trade Links: A South Korean delegation met Fujimori to expand cooperation in defense, security, and infrastructure. Climate Science: A University of Alabama professor explains why El Niño is still hard to predict, even as scientists track it as it begins. Regional Business: Anglo American’s Quellaveco mine in Peru and copper operations in Chile earned The Copper Mark for responsible production. Tech for Development: The ITU launched an “AI for Good Lab” to help countries scale responsible AI beyond pilot projects. Global Pressure on China: U.S. documents say Washington plans hundreds of millions more to counter China’s influence, including undersea cable upgrades in the Americas.

Peru Politics: President-elect Keiko Fujimori has started naming her incoming Cabinet ahead of her Tuesday swearing-in, naming First Vice President Luis Galarreta as prime minister (PCM) and economist Elmer Cuba for Economy and Finance, with Carlos Espá as Foreign Affairs—she says the priorities are tackling insecurity, restoring growth, and restarting investment and jobs. Public Safety & Crime: A Peruvian influencer known as “La Chocolatita” was found dead in a Lima apartment in what police are investigating as a suspected homicide, with a 36-year-old man arrested as the main suspect. Health & Aid: The Red Cross declared a national blood crisis, warning supplies—especially type O—are running dangerously low amid summer shortages. Sports (Lima): UniUSA dominated swimming at the FISU America Games in Lima, winning 41 of 42 events, while Indiana advanced to the gold medal game after a big win over Chile. Regional News: Ecuador reported a 4.3 quake in Guayas with no casualties or damage so far.

El Niño Watch: Scientists say a “Super El Niño” is now more likely than not, with NOAA forecasting an 81% chance of a very strong event—raising fears of higher food prices and slower growth across vulnerable emerging economies, including Peru’s wider region. Peru Politics: Keiko Fujimori’s Popular Force won the Senate presidency, electing Miguel Torres as Senate head ahead of the July 28 inauguration, as Peru’s bicameral Congress sets leadership for the 2026–2031 term. Congress Leadership: Peru’s Chamber of Deputies is also moving to elect its leadership, with lawmakers aiming for a “more prudent” state amid a decade of instability. Earthquake Damage: A 5.1 quake severely damaged the colonial Iglesia Apóstol Santiago in Chongos Bajo, Junín, collapsing parts of the roof and façade and prompting a restoration fundraising push. Sports in Lima: At the FISU America Games, Faith Larsen (UNI) grabbed four medals in her debut, while Peru’s athletes and Team USA continue to rack up results. Trade & Energy: Argent LNG received a long-term U.S. DOE authorization to export LNG for 20 years, a development with potential ripple effects for regional energy markets.

Peru’s New Congress Leadership: Keiko Fujimori’s Popular Force won the Senate presidency ahead of her July 28 inauguration, with Miguel Torres elected Senate chair in a coalition with Popular Renewal; the bicameral Congress is back after more than three decades, and the lower house leadership is set to be chosen soon. US-Peru Inauguration Diplomacy: A U.S. delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will attend Fujimori’s swearing-in, including senior Commerce and Treasury officials. Governance Under Pressure: The restored bicameral system (60 senators, 130 deputies) is meant to improve representation and oversight, but Peru’s political crisis and lack of majorities leave big challenges for the 2026-2031 term. Health Access in Peru: A MEDLIFE pop-up clinic near Lima helped North American nursing students treat nearly 2,000 people, showing how mobile care can reach underserved communities. Road Safety in Southern Peru: A crash in Tacna killed at least five and injured 16 after a bus collision on the Pan-American Highway. Global Context: Wildfires in Spain and France have displaced hundreds of thousands, underscoring how climate shocks are driving urgent humanitarian responses worldwide.

Road Safety in Peru: At least five people died and 15 were injured in a serious early-morning crash in Tacna, southern Peru, after a bus tried to overtake in dense fog and collided head-on with another passenger vehicle; authorities say traffic was blocked while wreckage was cleared. More Peru Tragedy: Another report says two buses collided on the southern Panamerican Highway near Tacna, killing at least five and injuring 16, as police investigate the circumstances. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 2.8 quake was recorded in the Lviv region of Ukraine, while Peru has also seen recent seismic activity, including a deadly 5.5–5.6 quake in Junín. Sports (Peru-linked): Indiana advanced at the FISU America Games in Lima with a 107-40 semifinal win over Chile, while Peru’s Entity7 knocked Team Liquid Philippines out of the 2026 Mid-Season Cup at the Esports World Cup. Climate & Food: A new explainer warns that El Niño could intensify later in 2026, with Peru and Ecuador fishermen historically noticing the warm-water shift when anchovies disappear.

Peru Justice: Peru’s Ministry of Justice rejected former President Pedro Castillo’s pardon request, saying the filing lacked required details on the type of pardon and didn’t meet commission rules; Castillo remains jailed after his 2022 attempted coup. Road Safety (Southern Peru): A crash on the Pan-American Highway in Tacna killed at least five people and left 16 injured after a bus collision involving a truck and another vehicle. Wildfires (Europe, with Peru link): Spain and France wildfires have forced about 267,000 people to flee, with Madrid-area evacuations and a national emergency as smoke and ash disrupt daily life; a Peruvian evacuee described fleeing when her village filled with smoke. Sports (FISU America Games): Indiana basketball advanced to the finals with a 107-40 win over Chile, setting up a Monday rematch. Public Health (Mongolia): Mongolia confirmed a bubonic plague case tied to eating marmots and warned against hunting or consuming them.

Constitutional Court Ruling: Peru’s Constitutional Court struck down parts of a law that criminalized logistical and financial support for peaceful protests, voiding related cases while keeping penalties for violent acts. Diplomacy Reset: Peru and Venezuela announced a gradual return to ties after a two-year rupture, starting with reactivating consular relations to protect citizens; the move comes ahead of Peru’s new president taking office. Trade Shock: The U.S. finalized Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies, with rates of 10% or 12.5% effective July 24—Peru is listed among those facing 12.5%. Local Governance & Oversight: Peru’s Congress seat distribution for the 2026–2031 term was published, outlining how deputies are allocated by region and abroad. Environment & Health: A report warns heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic in Peruvian schools near former mining areas are exposing thousands of students and staff. Indigenous Protection: Brazil and Peru agreed to coordinate efforts to protect Indigenous territories along the border, including isolated peoples.

Diplomacy Reset: Peru says it will start a “progressive process” to reactivate diplomatic relations with Venezuela, strained since July 2024. Trade & Customs: Peru marked major progress in modernizing customs through the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, citing faster clearance times and improved trade-facilitation performance under SUNAT. Regional Tariffs Shock: The U.S. rolled out forced-labor-related tariffs across Latin America, with Peru listed among countries facing a 12.5% rate—raising fresh concerns for exporters and competitiveness. FISU Lima 2027 Sports: Peru continues building momentum for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games, including stadium renovation updates. Public Safety Tragedy: Lima and Peru reported a deadly house fire killing 10 people, including five children, as police investigate suspected arson. Culture & Travel: A travel piece highlights how Machu Picchu still surprises visitors in person, even after years of photos and stories.

Peru Politics: Peru’s presidential handover in Lima later this month will include Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun, attending July 27–28. Presidential Transition: Congress says Jose Maria Balcazar remains president until Keiko Fujimori’s oath and the July 28 transfer-of-power ceremony, with the presidential sash treated as a protocol act. Citizen Dialogue: Fujimori’s incoming office says it’s holding ongoing meetings with mayors, trade groups, and civil society to feed proposals into the new agenda. Disaster & Safety: Lima and wider Peru are still dealing with quake fallout, including emergency measures in Junin districts after tremors. Amazon Security: Ashaninka communities on the Brazil-Peru border report growing incursions by armed drug traffickers, urging stronger protection. Environment & Trade: Peru is central to a global anchovy supply crunch that could ripple through aquaculture worldwide. US Trade Shock (Global, with Peru in the mix): New U.S. forced-labour tariffs hit 60 economies, including Peru, with rates tied to each country’s enforcement commitments.

Earthquake Response in Junín: Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency in two Junín districts after a 5.1-magnitude quake killed at least six and injured 32, authorizing aid deliveries and emergency repairs. FISU America Games in Lima: Team USA men’s basketball opened with a 115-36 rout of Peru and is set to face the U.S. Virgin Islands next, with games streaming on YouTube as elimination rounds begin Saturday. Peru Sports Spotlight: Peruvian tennis rising star Ignacio Buse’s breakout season continues after his Kitzbühel run ended in the quarterfinals. Peru in Global Finance: Credicorp announced it will enter its Q2 “quiet period” starting July 30 ahead of its earnings release on Aug. 13. Trade Pressure: The U.S. is preparing new tariffs that could hit multiple Latin American countries, including Peru, tied to forced-labor concerns.

Tragedy in Lima: A fire in La Victoria, Peru’s capital, killed 10 people from the same family, including five children (ages 3 to 15), and left two others injured. Police say they’re investigating the blaze’s origin and whether it was deliberately set, with local reports pointing to possible extortion-linked arson after threats against the family, which also ran a mattress business and stored electric motorcycles. Public Safety & Response: Peru’s civil defense said two homes were destroyed, and President-elect Keiko Fujimori visited the scene calling it “a terrible massacre,” while authorities work on forensic checks. Mining Oversight: Peru faces an unprecedented case at the Andean Court of Justice over alleged failures to curb illegal mining, challenging repeated extensions of REINFO, Peru’s mining formalization program. Economy & Trade: Camposol kicked off its 2026/27 blueberry season, unveiling a new Chinese brand name “Kǎi Pèi Guǒ” as it targets continued growth in China. Health Advisory: The CDC flagged chikungunya outbreaks in multiple destinations and listed Peru among places with elevated exposure risk for travelers.

Tragedy in Lima: A massive fire in Lima’s La Victoria district killed 10 people early Wednesday, including five children. Police say forensic experts are investigating and authorities have not confirmed the cause; reports mention threats and possible arson. Earthquake Relief & Heritage: After twin quakes hit Peru’s Junín region, the Catholic Church said it’s coordinating aid and helping preserve damaged historic churches, as officials reported deaths and dozens of injuries. Politics & Regional Shift: Analysts say Peru’s razor-thin election outcome fits a broader rightward turn across Latin America, with promises of tougher crime policies and potential changes to energy and investment rules. Broadband Deal: América Móvil says Claro Perú will buy fibre operator WOW Tel, aiming to expand fixed broadband coverage as Peru’s demand for high-speed internet keeps rising. Sports & Peru on the Calendar: Canada announced friendlies vs Chile and Peru in September and October, while the FISU America Games in Lima (July 24-26) bring a major university swimming event to Peru. Tourism Snapshot: New data ranks Saudi Arabia as the biggest gainer in international arrivals since 2019, with Brazil and Colombia also showing strong growth.

Peru Politics: President-elect Keiko Fujimori met with Chile’s ambassador, while her team also signaled a push for “mega-prisons” modeled on El Salvador’s Bukele-era CECOT. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Peru declared a state of emergency in Junín after deadly earthquakes, and reports also point to ongoing road and culvert works that will affect travel. Disaster Risk: A University of Chile study warns parts of South America’s Pacific coast—including Ecuador—could face catastrophic tsunamis, with simulations pointing to potentially deadly waves. Church & Society: Questions around the next Lima bishop cast a shadow over Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming Peru visit, with local sources citing political and episcopal tensions. Sports (Peru in the spotlight): Indiana’s Team USA opened the FISU America Games in Lima with a 115-36 rout of Peru, with coach Darian DeVries stressing defense and discipline. Business: Grupo México reported a sharp jump in Q2 profit, helped by higher copper prices, while noting Peru output impacts.

Peru Politics & Justice: A controversial Peruvian law that routes crimes by police and military into military-police jurisdiction instead of common justice has now taken effect, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups who warn it could shield state agents from accountability. Education & Rights: Scholarship recipients and former PRONABEC students are holding a vigil in Lima, demanding the incoming government shelve a draft regulation they say would cut access for talented but economically vulnerable students. Earthquake Response: Peru’s Junín region is still dealing with the fallout from twin tremors, with a 60-day emergency declared for affected districts and reconstruction and aid measures underway. International Connectivity: Cathay Pacific is expanding Latin America links by adding Santo Domingo via Madrid, with route growth that also boosts codeshare connections including Peru. US Legal Pressure on Citizenship: The Trump administration’s denaturalization push includes cases involving people from Peru and other countries, as DOJ moves to revoke citizenship for alleged serious offenses. Sports & Media: The DOJ seized 1,000+ online domains tied to illegal World Cup streaming, including sites linked to Peru.

Earthquake Response in Junín: Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency in five Junín districts after a 5.1 quake and aftershocks, with authorities reporting at least 6 deaths and 21 injuries, dozens of homes damaged or destroyed, and rescue teams working amid ongoing tremors. Congress and Justice Reform: Peru’s Congress president Fernando Rospigliosi enacted a law that removes police and military from common justice for crimes tied to duty, including life imprisonment if they collaborate with criminal gangs. Peru Economy Watch: Peru’s cement sector grew, with June dispatches up 11.6% year-on-year, while imports fell sharply. Sports in Peru’s Orbit: Indiana basketball will face Peru at the FISU America Games, with games streamed via the event’s YouTube page. Local Culture Spotlight: President Balcázar recognized female Qallwa weavers from San Miguel, highlighting traditional fiber craft as a driver of family income.

Earthquake Response in Peru: A 5.1 quake struck Junín’s Chupaca province, killing 6 and injuring 30+; power cuts hit the area and officials reported damage including to the El Carmen Regional Maternal and Child Hospital, while a historic Virgin Mary statue reportedly stayed intact despite church collapse. Emergency Measures: Peru’s executive issued a 60-day state of emergency for five Junín districts to speed up response and rehabilitation. Sports in Lima: The South American Women’s Volleyball Cup is set to run in Lima (Eduardo Dibós Coliseum, July 22–26), with Venezuela facing Colombia in Group B as the top teams chase Olympic qualification. Peru on the Global Gastronomy Map: PromPerú says Lima will host a major “World’s 50 Best” event on Nov. 4, aiming to spotlight Peruvian cuisine worldwide. Trade & Biosecurity Watch: New Zealand experts warn a proposed blueberry import health standard could allow high-risk pests, raising biosecurity concerns.