Since July 28, 2026, Peru has a new government. President Keiko Fujimori took office on Fiestas Patrias and swore in her first cabinet at the Government Palace in Lima on the same day.
Luis Fernando Galarreta Velarde heads the cabinet as President of the Council of Ministers. The long-serving politician is therefore one of the most important figures in the new government. The Prime Minister coordinates the work of the individual ministries and represents government policy to Parliament.
The cabinet brings together politicians with government experience, experts, and representatives from the business world. The gender distribution is striking: among the 18 specialized ministries, there are only two female ministers.
Luis Galarreta leads the cabinet
Luis Fernando Galarreta Velarde is President of the Council of Ministers and thus Prime Minister of Peru. He is also the country's first Vice President.
Galarreta is a lawyer and a long-time companion of Fujimori. He has served multiple terms as a congressman and was one of the leading politicians of Fuerza Popular. As head of the cabinet, he is responsible for ensuring that the individual departments implement the President's political goals into concrete measures.
Economy: Elmer Cuba
Elmer Rafael Cuba Bustinza takes over the most economically important ministry. The economist is the new Minister of Economy and Finance.
His department faces central tasks. Peru needs private and public investments, while the government must keep an eye on state finances. In addition, there is the large informal economy and the task of creating more regular jobs.
Foreign Policy: Carlos EspĂĄ
The new Foreign Minister is Alfonso Carlos Espå y Garcés-Alvear. The lawyer and journalist thus takes over the leadership of Peruvian diplomacy.
His responsibilities include Peru's relations with its neighboring countries as well as with important partners in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Security: CĂ©sar Astudillo
CĂ©sar Augusto Astudillo Salcedo takes over one of the most difficult portfolios as Minister of the Interior.
Crime, and in particular extortion, contract killings, and organized gangs, are currently among Peru's biggest domestic political problems. The Ministry of the Interior bears political responsibility for the PolicĂa Nacional del PerĂș and thus for a significant part of the new security strategy.
Defense: Rafael BelaĂșnde
Rafael Jorge BelaĂșnde Llosa takes over the Ministry of Defense.
Justice: Ernesto Ălvarez
Ernesto Julio Ălvarez Miranda leads the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.
Tourism: Rogers Valencia
This appointment is particularly interesting for PeruMagazin: Rogers MartĂn Valencia Espinoza takes over the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Valencia is already familiar with the department. Thus, an experienced tourism politician takes over an area of great economic importance for Peru. Important topics during his term in office will include international tourism, tourism infrastructure, less known regions, and the situation around heavily visited destinations like Machu Picchu.
Agriculture: Marco Vinelli
Marco Antonio Vinelli Ruiz is Minister of Agricultural Development and Irrigation.
This department is particularly important for northern Peru. Agriculture, water management, and the effects of El Niño are central issues for regions such as Piura, Lambayeque, and Tumbes.
Transport and Infrastructure: Rafael Rey
Rafael Rey Rey leads the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The department is responsible for roads, transport projects, and large parts of the transport infrastructure.
Energy and Mining: Guillermo Shinno
Guillermo Shinno HuamanĂ takes over Energy and Mining. Mining remains one of Peru's most important economic sectors.
Health: Luis Dyer
Luis Williams Dyer FernĂĄndez is the new Minister of Health. His responsibilities range from the supply of medicines and hospitals to waiting times for medical examinations and operations.
Education: José Antonio Chang
José Antonio Chang Escobedo takes over the Ministry of Education. Educational quality, school infrastructure, and regional differences remain among Peru's major challenges.
The other members of the cabinet
| Department | Minister |
|---|---|
| Labor and Employment Promotion | Juan Manuel Sheput Moore |
| Production | Juan Carlos Requejo AlemĂĄn |
| Housing, Construction and Sanitation | Mauricio Fernando Arnillas Gonzales |
| Women and Vulnerable Populations | MarĂa Magdalena Seminario MarĂłn |
| Environment | Vladimiro Huaroc Portocarrero |
| Culture | Alberto Ismael Beingolea Delgado |
| Development and Social Inclusion | Maritza Ivonne Canales MartĂnez |
A cabinet with only two women
Of the 18 specialized ministries, only two are headed by women: MarĂa Seminario in the Ministry of Women and Maritza Canales in the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion.
Security, Economy, and El Niño set the tone for the start
The new government faces several major challenges from the outset. These include the security situation, economic growth, jobs, and preparations for El Niño.
For northern Peru, the cooperation between the Ministries of Agriculture, Transport, Housing, and Environment will be particularly important. Flood protection, roads, water supply, and agriculture can quickly become critical issues in a strong El Niño event.
Tourism also deserves attention. With Rogers Valencia, a minister takes over the department who already has experience in the industry and in the ministry.
Thus, Fujimori's government team is complete. Now Galarreta and his ministers must show what measures will actually be implemented.
FAQ on Peru's new government
Who has been President of Peru since 2026?
Keiko SofĂa Fujimori Higuchi assumed the presidency on July 28, 2026.
Who is the Prime Minister of Peru?
Luis Fernando Galarreta Velarde is President of the Council of Ministers and thus Prime Minister. He is also the first Vice President of the Republic.
Who is the Minister of Economy?
Elmer Rafael Cuba Bustinza heads the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Who is responsible for Tourism?
Rogers MartĂn Valencia Espinoza is Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Who is the Minister of the Interior?
CĂ©sar Augusto Astudillo Salcedo heads the Ministry of the Interior.
How many women are in the cabinet as specialized ministers?
Two of the 18 specialized ministries are led by women.
Sources
- Presidencia de la RepĂșblica del PerĂș â Swearing-in of Fujimori's first cabinet
- Presidency of the Council of Ministers â Luis Galarreta takes over the PCM
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs â Carlos EspĂĄ as Foreign Minister
- Wikimedia Commons â Luis Galarreta (CC BY 2.0)
- Wikimedia Commons â Ministry of Economy and Finance (CC BY-SA 4.0)