Brígida Curo
Brígida Curo Bustincio | |
|---|---|
| Born | Brígida Curo Bustincio 22 July 1976 |
| Occupations | Politician, farmer and rancher |
Political party | Somos Perú (1998) Broad Front (2016) Together for Peru (2021–present) |
Brígida Curo Bustincio is an Indigenous Peruvian politician, farmer, and cattle rancher. Formerly a member of We Are Peru, she has been a member of the Broad Front and affiliated parties since 2016. In 2026 she was chosen as Roberto Sánchez's running mate for the 2026 Peruvian general election, additionally running for the Chamber of Deputies representing Puno.[1][2]
Controversies
Racist remarks against Keiko Fujimori
During the runoff of the 2026 Peruvian general elections, Curo made several remarks that were widely criticized as racist and xenophobic against Keiko Fujimori. Videos circulated on social media showing these statements, sparking controversy and drawing criticism for undermining Peru's cultural and racial diversity. On April 29, 2026, during a demonstration held by Curo and her supporters in the Plaza Mayor of the historic center of Puno, several videos shared on social media showed her chanting xenophobic slogans making derogatory references to Japan and Japanese influence in Peruvian politics and society. Her statements generated controversy and were criticized by various sectors, which described them as discriminatory and contrary to the country's cultural diversity.
"Down with corrupt Japanese politics!" "Down with Japanese politics!" —Chants made by Brigida Curo during a demonstration in the Plaza Mayor of Puno.[3]
During the same demonstration, she later stated in an interview with a local media outlet that she should not be subjected to classist or racist comments by voters or the public.
"In the Political Constitution, we are all equal. In which article does it say, Mr. Journalist, that an Indigenous person or a woman wearing traditional skirts cannot participate in political life? We all have the right to participate." —Statements by Brigida Curo in an interview with a local media outlet.[4]
However, a few minutes later, she again called on Keiko Fujimori to "go back to her country", despite the fact that both she and her late father, former president Alberto Fujimori, were born in Peru and are therefore Peruvian citizens despite their Japanese ancestry. These remarks were criticized for raising questions about who can be considered Peruvian beyond physical appearance.
"The Japanese woman should go back to her country! [I am] a true woman, a true Peruvian! We are here to take office and govern our country." —Statements by Brigida Curo in an interview with a local media outlet.[4]
References
- ↑ "Brigida Curo cuestiona a Fuerza Popular por muertes en protestas". Diario Viral Arequipa (in Spanish). 3 June 2026. Retrieved 10 June 2026.
- ↑ "Brígida Curo: entre el terruqueo y el racismo". Servindi - Servicios de Comunicación Intercultural (in Spanish). 22 April 2026. Retrieved 10 June 2026.
- ↑ Dasso, Giacomo (29 April 2026). "Brígida Curo sends a forceful message to Keiko Fujimori and Fujimorismo during the demonstrations in Puno. What do you think of her statements?". Puno al Día (in Spanish). Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- 1 2 Dasso, Giacomo (29 April 2026). "Brígida Curo says she is prepared to govern Peru and asks Keiko Fujimori to return to her own country". radiolalibertadpisac (in Spanish). Retrieved 3 July 2026.