WikiPeru • The Encyclopedia of Peru
Ollanta Humala is a Peruvian military officer and politician who served as the president of Peru from 2011 to 2016. Born on June 27, 1962, in Lima, he grew up in a family with strong nationalist and socialist ideals. His father, Isaac Humala, was a lawyer and activist who founded an ideological movement called "ethnocacerism," which advocated for the rights of Peru's indigenous and mestizo populations. This family influence had a profound impact on Ollanta Humala’s political orientation from a young age.
Humala pursued a military career and served for several years in the Peruvian army. He trained at the Military School of Chorrillos and took part in missions during the war against the Shining Path guerrillas in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2000, he gained national attention by leading a military uprising against the regime of former President Alberto Fujimori, who at the time was embroiled in numerous corruption scandals. Although the rebellion failed, Humala emerged as a prominent figure known for opposing corruption and authoritarianism.
After leaving the military, Humala transitioned into politics. In 2006, he ran for president for the first time under the banner of his party, the Peruvian Nationalist Party, a populist left-wing movement. His 2006 campaign was heavily influenced by ideas of economic nationalism and opposition to neoliberal globalization. He notably received support from Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Although he lost to Alan García in the second round, Humala remained a key figure in Peruvian politics.
In 2011, Humala ran for president again, this time with a more moderate and less radical approach compared to his 2006 campaign. Distancing himself from Chávez's influence, he adopted a message centered on social inclusion and maintaining economic stability. This new strategy helped him win the presidential election against Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori.
Ollanta Humala’s presidency (2011-2016) was marked by efforts to reduce poverty and integrate rural populations into the country’s economic development. His administration implemented several social programs aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, and basic services for the most vulnerable populations. However, his tenure was also criticized for his inability to reform the mining and extractive sectors, which continued to dominate the country’s economy. Moreover, his shift toward moderate policies and his pro-investor economic stance earned him criticism from the radical left, which accused him of betraying his campaign promises.
By the end of his term, Humala’s popularity had declined due to several corruption scandals involving his government and close associates. He and his wife, Nadine Heredia, were accused of receiving illegal funds from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht during his presidential campaign, allegations they denied. In 2017, Humala and Heredia were placed in pretrial detention for several months as part of the investigation into these accusations, before being released while awaiting trial.
Ollanta Humala remains a controversial figure in Peruvian politics. His presidency was characterized by a mix of social reforms and economic continuity, but also by corruption allegations that tarnished his legacy. Despite this, he continues to play an active role in the country’s political life, defending his record and positioning himself as an advocate for the rights of Peru’s marginalized populations.