Nayib Bukele's Second Term: From Fighting Gangs to Economic Challenges
Nayib Bukele, the 42-year-old publicist and President of El Salvador, begins his second five-year term this Saturday, bolstered by an overwhelming 85% vote in the February elections. Bukele, known for his 'war' against gangs, has transitioned El Salvador from being one of the most dangerous countries to arguably the safest in the Western Hemisphere. This transformation, however, came at a cost, with extended emergency regimes and significant human rights allegations.
Although Bukele boasts popular support, he faces substantial criticism for his authoritarian practices and reliance on a court-altered Constitution to permit his re-election. Bukele has amassed near-total control over Congress and state institutions, enabling him to carry out bold policies without substantial opposition.
Economic Imperatives Ahead
While Bukele’s first term focused heavily on reducing violence, his second term is expected to address economic challenges. Analysts argue that the high cost of living and increasing poverty levels need urgent attention. Since Bukele first took office in 2019, El Salvador’s public debt soared from $19.8 billion to over $30 billion, correlating with an increase in poverty from 22.8% to 27.2%.
Despite a rise in foreign direct investments—from $171 million in 2022 to $759 million in 2023—many Salvadorans like Flor Beltrán, who earns $365 a month, struggle with inflation and the cost of basic necessities. The minimum wage, established in 2021, remains insufficient amid escalating living expenses. The Center for Consumer Defense noted significant increases in urban and rural basic food baskets, highlighting the pressing need for economic reforms.
Bukele has promised to focus on what he terms an 'economic takeoff' now that gang-related violence has been curbed. Proposals include measures to stimulate employment, enhance foreign investment, and stabilize the cost of living. However, his critics warn that his approach might perpetuate a cycle of debt without substantially improving the livelihoods of ordinary Salvadorans.
Even with the drop in crime, Bukele continues to face fierce opposition from human rights organizations. These organizations, such as Amnesty International, have raised alarms over the prolonged state of emergency and reported abuses under his administration. Bukele's government insists these measures are justified to maintain reduced levels of violence.
Bukele’s grip on power remains firm, especially with his Nuevas Ideas party holding 54 out of 60 congressional seats. This control has facilitated constitutional changes that could permit indefinite re-election, raising concerns amongst analysts about the future of democratic governance in El Salvador.
- Bukele's popularity remains high, particularly among those who believe his tough-on-crime stance has saved lives and restored public order in the country. His use of social media to communicate directly with citizens also endears him to a younger, more digitally connected demographic.
- Key international figures, including Argentine President Javier Milei, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, and King Felipe of Spain, are expected to attend Bukele's inauguration. This marks a significant endorsement of his presidency on the global stage.
- Despite international accolades and robust domestic support, critics argue that Bukele’s administration lacks transparency and democratic accountability. His mockery of authoritarian allegations by calling himself a 'cool dictator' adds fuel to concerns about the potential erosion of democratic norms in El Salvador.
