Lima, Peru – Peru’s Congress has sparked controversy by granting a lifetime pension to former president Alberto Fujimori, despite a law he signed in 1995 banning the benefit for convicted ex-presidents. The decision has sparked mixed reactions and a national debate about the legality and morality of this measure.
The pension, which amounts to 15,600 soles (4,200 USD) per month, was processed during the term of the presidency of the Congress of Alejandro Soto (July 26, 2023 – July 26, 2024) and was approved in just 11 days. Fujimori reportedly received his first pension payment at the end of July.
Fujimori, who ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000, was convicted of various crimes, including corruption and human rights violations, masterminding the murder of 25 people during his tenure. In December 2023, he was released after a controversial humanitarian pardon revived by the Constitutional Court. However, his legal situation remains under intense scrutiny.
Héctor Valer, spokesman for the Somos Perú party, stated that the Board of Speakers of Congress will assess the legal basis for granting Fujimori a lifetime pension. “This issue will be addressed by the Board of Spokespersons, which will have to take these opinions into account… We will thoroughly address this issue strictly within the legal framework,” Valer said.
Alejandro Muñante, spokesman for the right-wing Renovación Popular party, suggested canceling the pension for all former presidents, especially those under investigation for corruption. “Most of them are being investigated for suspected corruption crimes,” Muñante stressed.
The law governing pensions for former presidents, signed by Fujimori in 1995, stipulates that this right is suspended for convicted former presidents. Despite this, the current president of Congress, Eduardo Saljuana, stated that Fujimori’s retirement “is procedurally correct”, although he acknowledged that the decision is controversial.
Criminal lawyer Roberto Pereira mentioned on his X account that a section of that law “bans pensions for convicted former presidents.” The same Congress that now grants Fujimori a lifetime pension rejected the pension sought by former president Pedro Castillo (2021-2022) in May, who, although not convicted, is serving three years in detention while being investigated for alleged charges of corruption and rebellion.
A recent survey by Datum International, published by Businessreveals that 81% of Peruvians feel ashamed of Congress, while 76% share the same sentiment towards the government of President Dina Boluarte. The survey also points out that the negative perception extends beyond Congress and the government to political parties in general, with a disapproval rating of 75%.
At 85, Fujimori, apart from his criminal record and debts to the Peruvian Treasury, remains a polarizing figure in Peruvian politics. His legacy continues to be the subject of debate and division in Peruvian society, and the recent decision by Congress to grant him a lifetime pension has only intensified this division.
