History of Alberto Fujimori

Alberto Fujimori, a significant figure in Peruvian politics, was born on July 28, 1938, in Lima, Peru, to Japanese immigrants. Emerging from academia, his transition into politics marked a transformative era in Peru's history, characterized by both economic restructuring and controversial governance.

Fujimori's journey began in the realm of education; he studied agronomy at the National Agrarian University in La Molina and later pursued a master's degree in mathematics at the University of Strasbourg in France. Returning to his alma mater, he climbed the academic ranks and became rector, a position he held until embarking on a political path. This dramatic shift from academia to politics was emblematic of Fujimori’s unpredictable career trajectory.

In 1990, Fujimori entered the political scene as a dark horse candidate, running under the banner of the newly formed party Cambio 90, or "Change 90". His presidential campaign was marked by a distinctive populist style, which contrasted sharply with the neoliberal policies touted by his rival, the famous author Mario Vargas Llosa. Fujimori capitalized on the public's disenchantment with traditional political elites and addressed their anxieties concerning hyperinflation and a growing suspension of public services. His approach resonated with a wide demographic, securing his victory in the runoff election with nearly 56 percent of the vote.

Assuming office during a tumultuous period, Fujimori inherited an economy crippled by hyperinflation and a nation plagued by the violent insurgency of the Shining Path, a Maoist guerrilla organization. His administration swiftly prioritized economic stabilization through a series of neoliberal reforms. Teaming up with Hernando de Soto, a pivotal figure in Peru's economic reform movement, Fujimori implemented drastic measures to curb hyperinflation, including currency stabilization and market deregulation. These measures, while unpopular among the populace due to the harsh short-term effects, eventually contributed to Peru's economic recovery and stabilization.

However, Fujimori's presidency is perhaps best remembered for the "autogolpe", or self-coup, of April 5, 1992. In response to political gridlock, Fujimori dissolved the Peruvian Congress and restructured the judiciary, claiming it was necessary to combat corruption and insurgency effectively. This authoritarian move allowed him to consolidate power, hailing domestic and international criticism for undermining democratic institutions. Despite this, public approval remained relatively high, largely due to successful counterinsurgency efforts in containing the Shining Path and improvements in public safety.

Under Fujimori’s administration, significant strides were made against the Shining Path, culminating in the capture of its leader, Abimael Guzmán, in September 1992. This action was pivotal in restoring national stability and won Fujimori considerable support both nationally and internationally. The period marked a decline in insurgent violence, with the government claiming victories over numerous insurgent factions.

Fujimori’s economic policies started to yield tangible improvements by the mid-1990s, translating into increased foreign investment and steady economic growth. These successes bolstered his re-election campaign in 1995, where he secured a landslide victory against Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

However, Fujimori's second term was marred by mounting scandals and authoritarian practices. Allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and electoral manipulation began to surface. His advisor and chief of intelligence, Vladimiro Montesinos, was at the center of many controversies, orchestrating a vast network of bribery and surveillance. These issues started to erode Fujimori's public standing and democratic legitimacy.

The year 2000, marking his third presidential campaign, was characterized by widespread allegations of electoral fraud. Fujimori declared victory, but his presidency was short-lived. A growing body of evidence against Montesinos, coupled with public outrage over bribery scandals, led to Fujimori’s downfall. In a dramatic turn of events, Fujimori fled to Japan during an international summit, faxing his resignation to Congress only to have it rejected as unacceptable.

Fujimori remained in Japan, protected by his dual citizenship, until 2005 when he traveled to Chile. Attempting a political comeback, his arrest followed, leading to a protracted legal battle eventually culminating in his extradition to Peru. His trial in 2007 was unprecedented in Peru, as he faced an array of charges including corruption and human rights abuses. In 2009, the former president was sentenced to 25 years in prison for human rights violations related to death squad killings and kidnappings during his rule.

Fujimori's legacy is deeply polarizing. To some, he remains a figure of economic renewal and national stability, credited with dismantling insurgent networks and laying the groundwork for future growth. To others, his tenure is synonymous with authoritarianism, human rights violations, and an erosion of democratic norms. His controversial role in Peruvian history continues to evoke strong civic engagement and discourse, reflecting a nation grappling with the complex legacy of his leadership. Even in imprisonment, Fujimori’s influence lingered through his children, Keiko and Kenji, who have been active in Peruvian politics, often invoking their father's legacy. His conditional release from prison in December 2017, on health grounds, further stirred debates, cementing Fujimori’s enduring and contentious impact on Peru's political landscape.