Lima, Peru — The Peruvian Congress has sparked controversy by granting a lifetime pension to former President Alberto Fujimori, despite law he signed in 1995 that prohibits this benefit for convicted ex-presidents. The decision has elicited mixed reactions and a national debate about the legality and morality of this measure.
The pension, amounting to 15,600 soles (USD $4,200) per month, was processed during the term of congressional presidency 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 governed Peru from 1990 to 2000, was convicted of various crimes, including corruption and human rights violations, being the intellectual author of the murder of 25 people during his tenure. In December 2023, he was released following a controversial humanitarian pardon revived by the Constitutional Court. However, his legal situation remains under intense scrutiny.
Héctor Valer, spokesperson for the Somos Perú party, stated that the Congressional Spokespersons Board will evaluate the legal basis for granting Fujimori a lifetime pension. “This issue will be addressed by the Spokespersons Board, which will have to consider these opinions … We will thoroughly address this matter strictly within the legal framework,” Valer said.
Alejandro Muñante, spokesperson 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 alleged corruption crimes,” Muñante emphasized.
The law regulating pensions for former presidents, signed by Fujimori in 1995, establishes that this right is suspended for convicted ex-presidents. Despite this, the current President of Congress, Eduardo Salhuana, stated that Fujimori’s pension “is procedurally correct,” although he acknowledged that the decision is debatable.
Criminal lawyer Roberto Pereira mentioned on his X account that an article of that law “prohibits pensions for convicted former presidents.” The same Congress that now grants Fujimori a lifetime pension denied the pension requested by former President Pedro Castillo (2021-2022) in May, who, although not convicted, is serving pretrial detention for three years while being investigated for alleged corruption and rebellion charges.
A recent survey by Datum International, published by El Comercio, reveals that 81% of Peruvians feel ashamed of Congress, while 76% share the same sentiment towards the government of President Dina Boluarte. The survey also highlights that the negative perception extends beyond Congress and the government to political parties in general, with a 75% disapproval rate.
At 85, Fujimori, in addition to his criminal record and debts to the Peruvian Treasury, remains a polarizing figure in Peruvian politics. His legacy continues to be a 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.