Rafael López Aliaga

Rafael Bernardo López Aliaga Cazorla, born on February 11, 1961, established a significant presence in the Peruvian business sector before venturing into public service. His entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified by his co-founding role in Peruval Corp SA, a holding company with substantial interests in the transportation industry. Notably, this includes Ferrocarril Transandino SA and Peru Rail SA, entities that operate crucial railway networks across the historically rich and geographically diverse regions of Cusco, Arequipa, and Puno.

These operations are vital for both tourism and the movement of goods, underscoring his impact on Peru's economic infrastructure. His deep understanding of logistics and large-scale operations likely provided a unique foundation for his subsequent political endeavors, offering a practical, results-oriented approach to governance.

López Aliaga's entry into politics was a deliberate, albeit later, career move. He gained initial experience serving on Lima's Metropolitan Council under Mayor Luis Castañeda Lossio. Following a less successful bid for the Peruvian Congress in 2011, he maintained his affiliation with the National Solidarity party while continuing to focus on his private sector pursuits.

The pivotal moment in his political ascent came in 2019 when he assumed the leadership of National Solidarity as General Secretary, a transition that occurred during a period of legal challenges for the former mayor. This leadership role allowed him to reshape the party's direction, ultimately leading to its re-establishment as Popular Renewal, signaling a strategic rebranding and a renewed focus on his political aspirations.

The 2020 parliamentary elections marked a period of significant political visibility for López Aliaga as he steered National Solidarity towards a more conservative platform. Despite the party's failure to secure congressional representation in that election, López Aliaga announced his intention to run for President of Peru. He successfully positioned himself as the party's leader, spearheading a reconstruction process that effectively re-founded the party as Popular Renewal.

In the 2021 general election, he emerged as a notable contender for the right-wing vote, competing against prominent figures like Keiko Fujimori and Hernando de Soto. His campaign resonated with a substantial portion of the electorate, culminating in a third-place finish with 11.75% of the popular vote. This performance solidified his status as a leading figure within the Peruvian right-wing political spectrum.

Following the election of Pedro Castillo as president, López Aliaga remained a prominent voice in Peruvian politics. His electoral success continued in 2022 when he successfully ran for the mayorship of Lima, the nation's capital. He secured a narrow victory with 26.32% of the vote, taking office in 2023 for a term that extends to 2025.

As mayor, he is responsible for the administration of one of South America's largest and most complex urban centers. Looking ahead, López Aliaga has declared his candidacy for the 2026 Peruvian presidential election, indicating his continued ambition to lead the country. His trajectory from business magnate to a key political figure highlights his strategic approach to influence and governance in Peru.