Conservative Leaders Rise Across Latin America

Peru has elected Keiko Fujimori, a former businesswoman and daughter of the late dictator Alberto Fujimori, who won the runoff with a hard‑line stance on crime. She vows to build large prisons and strengthen borders to curb drug trafficking.

In Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella won a tight race. Known as “The Tiger,” he pledged to end extortion and drug gangs, earning praise from President Trump for restoring order.

Argentina’s Javier Milei, nicknamed “The Lion,” toppled the long‑time ruling party. His drastic cuts to government spending and a halt on central‑bank printing lowered inflation sharply, but many workers feel poorer due to job cuts and lower wages.

Ecuador re‑elected Daniel Noboa, a wealthy businessman, who has given the army more power to fight drug cartels along coastal cities. Human‑rights groups warn that his tactics may lead to abuse and violence.

Honduras elected Nasry Asfura, a real‑estate investor who won with President Trump’s backing. He promises to deport illegal migrants, resulting in an influx of deportees from other nations.

Chile’s José Antonio Kast, a Catholic conservative, defeated the progressive government and vows to remove migrants from Venezuela and Haiti. His first act was expanding a border trench against drug traffic.

Costa Rica chose Laura Fernández, an economy minister, who aims for stricter crime laws and a large prison model similar to El Salvador’s. Her government also accepts deported migrants from the U.S.

These elections illustrate a growing trend of right‑wing leaders across Latin America, focusing on crime, immigration, and economic control—often with backing from the United States.