Humala sworn in as president of Peru

Former army officer Ollanta Humala has been sworn in as the President of Peru. He was accompanied by leaders from the region, as well as Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Once a passionate nationalist, Humala describes himself these days as of the moderate left. He has vowed to retain Peru’s free market economy, but to improve social care as well.

Humala narrowly defeated Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of the imprisoned former President Alberto. Fujimori supporters tried to shout Humala down when he said he was assuming power in the spirit of the 1979 constitution.

For them, it was a snub to Fujimori’s 1993 agreement which specified a reduced role for the state in the economy. The fuss did not prevent Humala from swearing in his new cabinet.

Wealthy businessman Salomon Lerner is Peru’s new Prime Minister. Susana Baca takes over the culture portfolio and is also the country’s first black minister.

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