Key Facts
—What. A Senate committee approved 27 powers for President Keiko Fujimori’s government to issue decrees on security and El Niño prevention.
—When. The committee voted on Monday 19 October 2026; the full Senate is due to debate it on Wednesday 21 October at 10:00 a.m. Lima time (11:00 a.m. ET).
—How long. The powers would last 90 calendar days.
—Why it matters. Peru is a leading copper producer, and the package would set security and emergency policy for the next three months.
—Still unknown. Whether the full Senate accepts the seven additions, which opponents say it has no right to add.
—Power Index Peru ranks 5th of 14 in The Rio Times Latin America Power Index, with 54.7 points (October 2026 edition).
A Peruvian Senate committee on Monday 19 October approved a package of 27 powers that would let President Keiko Fujimori’s government issue decrees for 90 days on security and the El Niño climate threat. The package combines the 20 powers passed by the Chamber of Deputies with seven additions made in the Senate.
The full Senate is due to debate it on Wednesday 21 October at 10:00 a.m. Lima time. For US readers, the outcome shapes how quickly Lima can act on crime and extreme weather, two issues that affect investors and aid partners.
Committee Vote
The Senate Constitution Committee, chaired by Carlos Mesía of Fuerza Popular, approved the text with seven votes, Correo reported. Opposition members boycotted the session, and seven votes was the minimum quorum.
Mesía said the text was approved unanimously by those present. The Senate’s president, Miguel Ángel Torres, has convened the full chamber.
What Is in the Package
The Chamber of Deputies approved the 20 powers in early October by 66 votes to 34, with 24 abstentions, after earlier attempts had failed. They cover areas such as migration, blocking of illicit communications, firearms, prisons, extortion, organised crime, cybercrime and El Niño prevention.
The government had originally asked for 66 items and 120 days, according to Caretas. The Senate committee’s seven additions include military protection of prisons, a stronger national intelligence directorate and the designation of certain criminal groups as hostile.
A Dispute Over Procedure
Jorge Nieto of the Partido del Buen Gobierno argued that the Senate rules do not allow it to add new matters to a bill that passed the lower chamber. He proposed handling the seven additions as ordinary bills later.
A deadline also matters, because under Article 105 of the Constitution the lower chamber’s text can go to the executive if the Senate does not act in time. Mesía has said the committee reported within the seven working days allowed.
What It Means for US Readers
Peru is a major supplier of copper and other metals, and US-listed miners and investors follow decrees on security and emergency spending closely. Lima has also been lining up foreign help against El Niño, covered in our report on El Niño aid.
See also our report on Peru’s expulsion flights to Venezuela and our Peru page. A delegation of powers lets a government legislate by decree, so its scope is closely watched.
What Is Not Known
The Senate vote is still ahead, and the reports we reviewed do not show whether the majority will accept all 27 points. It is also unclear whether the opposition will take the procedural dispute to court.
The text of the final decrees would only emerge after the powers are granted. Until then the government has not said which measures it would issue first.
Sources
Correo · La República · Infobae · El Peruano · APNoticias
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
In depth
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Peruvian Senate committee approve?
It approved a 27-point package that combines 20 powers passed by the Chamber of Deputies with seven additions. The powers would let the government issue decrees for 90 days on security and El Niño prevention.
When does the full Senate vote?
The full Senate is due to debate the package on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Lima time, which is 11:00 a.m. ET. Its president, Miguel Ángel Torres, convened the session.
Why is the package disputed?
Opposition lawmakers such as Jorge Nieto say the Senate cannot add new matters to a bill the lower chamber passed. The committee majority says it has followed the rules and met the deadlines.
How long would the powers last?
They would last 90 calendar days. The government had originally asked for 120 days and 66 items.