Alberto Beingolea, a sports journalist and former congressman, is set to become Peru’s Minister of Culture under President Keiko Fujimori, after his name emerged as a serious contender in the days leading up to the swearing-in ceremony.
According to the source’s reporting, Beingolea was put forward for the role by Luis Galarreta, president of the Council of Ministers and first vice president of the republic. Two other names had previously circulated for the post: Cecilia Bakula and Miguel Molinari.
Beingolea served in congress from 2011 to 2016. His selection for the culture portfolio surprised observers, with the source describing initial reactions to the rumor as resembling a joke before confirming it had solid foundations.
The Ministry of Culture’s survival under the new government is itself notable. The source pointed out that the ministry did not appear in Fuerza Popular’s original government plan, making its continuation a point worth acknowledging.
The appointment comes with significant questions attached. The ministry has in recent years functioned, according to the source, as a censorship apparatus targeting critics of the sitting government. The source also flagged legislation passed by the 2021-2026 congress, including a new cinema law, as areas where Beingolea’s position will be closely watched.
Peru has cycled through ten culture ministers since 2021: Ciro Galvez, Gisela Ortiz, Alejandro Salas, Betssy Chavez, Silvana Robles, Jair Perez, Leslie Urteaga, Fabricio Valencia, Alfredo Luna, and Fatima Altabas.
