Fujimori Flies to the UN and Leaves Her Premier in Charge of Peru
Key Facts
Peru’s constitution decides who governs when a president travels abroad, a rule that matters again under a new government. Keiko Fujimori leaves for the United Nations on 21 September, and her prime minister will run the country.
On 19 September, Peru formally entrusted its presidential office to Premier Luis Galarreta, also first vice-president, for Keiko Fujimori’s UN trip. Defence Minister Rafael Belaunde will run the Council of Ministers, Peru’s cabinet office, from 21 to 25 September.
Why This Matters
Article 115 of Peru’s 1993 constitution puts the first vice-president in charge of the presidential office when the president leaves the country. Luis Galarreta holds that post and also serves as prime minister, head of the Council of Ministers, known as the PCM.
Because he cannot run both offices at once, the government handed the PCM to Defence Minister Rafael Belaunde for the trip. Second Vice-President Miguel Torres, who now presides over the Senate, would step in only if Galarreta could not.
The rule could not apply under former president Dina Boluarte, who had no vice-president. In June 2023, Congress approved in a first vote a reform letting her govern remotely from abroad, Swissinfo reported.
What the Resolution Says
Supreme Resolution 277-2026-PCM appeared in El Peruano, the official gazette, on 19 September, state news agency Andina reported. It entrusts Galarreta with the presidency and Belaunde with the PCM for as long as the absences last.
Legislative Resolution 32741 authorised Fujimori‘s trip to New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Infobae reported that she will address the General Debate on 22 September and hold bilateral meetings.
Gestión said her agenda includes talks with CAF, the Latin American development bank, and other entities. Foreign Minister Carlos Espá and Foreign Trade Minister Rogers Valencia will travel with her, according to Infobae.
A First Cabinet Exit
The handover follows the first departure from Fujimori’s cabinet, less than two months after she took office on 28 July. Transport and Communications Minister Rafael Rey resigned on 18 September, citing health reasons, La República reported.
Deputy Víctor Piñán asked whether a dispute over recycled trains played a role, the newspaper added. Economist José Tangherlini Casal was sworn in as his replacement that evening.
The Rio Times covered Rey’s resignation and Fujimori’s falling approval ratings in an earlier report. On its own, one exit after two months points to early strain rather than a broader cabinet crisis.
What Is Not Yet Known
Published reports do not say which decisions Galarreta plans to take during the five days. It is also unclear whether Fujimori will meet US government officials while in New York.
The government has not said whether further cabinet changes are planned. Nor has it answered Piñán’s question about the train dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who governs Peru while Keiko Fujimori is at the UN?
Premier Luis Galarreta, who is also first vice-president, runs the presidential office from 21 to 25 September. Defence Minister Rafael Belaunde temporarily leads the cabinet.
Why does the prime minister take over the presidency?
The constitution gives the office to the first vice-president when the president travels abroad. Galarreta happens to hold both posts.
Sources: Andina, government entrusts presidential office to Galarreta, Gestión, Galarreta to assume presidency during UN trip, Infobae/EFE, cabinet chief in charge during New York trip, La República, Tangherlini sworn in to replace Rey, LP Derecho, Article 115 of the constitution, Swissinfo, 2023 vote on remote presidential dispatch
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