Peru's richest 1% seized 42% of all wealth created since 2019
Oxfam reports that the top 1% in Peru captured 42% of new wealth generated between 2019 and 2025, while the poorest half received just 1.4%.
A new Oxfam study finds that Peru's top one percent claimed 42% of the country's newly generated wealth between 2019 and 2025, an increase from the 39% share recorded from 2000 to 2019. In contrast, the poorest 50% of citizens captured merely 1.4% of that wealth. The nonprofit, working with the Institute for Peruvian Studies, also surveyed public opinion, uncovering that 84% of respondents feel powerful elites steer politics to their advantage and over three-quarters think rich corporations and individuals dodge fair tax contributions.
About 70% said the government should do more to tackle inequality, which they link to limited access to health, education, jobs and justice. The findings come amid Peru's ongoing political turbulence, with nine presidents in a decade and the recent inauguration of right-wing President Keiko Fujimori. Analysts warn that entrenched elite influence, amplified by weakened democratic institutions, could further erode public trust.
Why it matters
Rising wealth concentration threatens social stability and confidence in Peru's democratic institutions.
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