El Salvador's Authoritarian Turn: Bukele's Consolidation Of Power After Six Years

Michael

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Post on Jun 02, 2025

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El Salvador's Authoritarian Turn: Bukele's Consolidation of Power After Six Years

El Salvador's political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since Nayib Bukele's election in 2019. His presidency, initially marked by high approval ratings and promises of anti-corruption reform, has increasingly veered towards authoritarianism, raising serious concerns about democratic backsliding in the country. Six years into his tenure, Bukele's consolidation of power is undeniable, prompting international condemnation and raising questions about the future of Salvadoran democracy.

Bukele's Rise to Power and Early Promises:

Bukele's campaign centered on combating corruption and gang violence, resonating deeply with a disillusioned electorate weary of traditional political parties. His unconventional style and use of social media quickly garnered him a large following. Early successes in reducing crime rates further solidified his popularity. However, these initial achievements masked a gradual erosion of democratic norms and institutions.

The Erosion of Democratic Institutions:

Bukele's actions since his election have systematically weakened checks and balances within the Salvadoran government. Key milestones in this process include:

• The Supreme Court and Attorney General: Bukele's manipulation of the Supreme Court and the appointment of a loyal Attorney General effectively silenced judicial opposition to his policies. These actions severely compromised the independence of the judiciary.
• Control of the Legislature: Bukele's Nuevas Ideas party secured a supermajority in the Legislative Assembly, allowing him to push through legislation without significant opposition. This eliminated meaningful legislative checks on executive power.
• Crackdown on Opposition: Critics, journalists, and members of the opposition have faced harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment, creating a climate of fear and silencing dissenting voices. Freedom of the press has significantly deteriorated under Bukele’s administration.
• State of Exception: The declaration of a state of exception, ostensibly to combat gang violence, has led to widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, highlighting a disregard for due process.

The International Response and the Future of El Salvador:

International organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS) and Human Rights Watch have consistently condemned Bukele's authoritarian actions. The United States, a key ally of El Salvador, has expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions. However, concrete actions to counteract Bukele's power grab have been limited, highlighting the complexities of addressing authoritarianism in the region.

The Economy Under Bukele:

While Bukele's economic policies, including the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, have been praised by some, others point to concerning issues including increased national debt and a decline in investor confidence due to the erosion of democratic institutions and rule of law. The long-term economic sustainability under his rule remains a significant question.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads:

El Salvador stands at a critical juncture. Bukele's consolidation of power represents a significant threat to democratic governance and the rule of law. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and consider stronger measures to protect human rights and promote democratic values in El Salvador. The future of the country hinges on the collective efforts to safeguard its democratic institutions and uphold the principles of freedom and justice. The long-term consequences of Bukele's actions remain to be seen, but the current trajectory raises serious concerns about the future of Salvadoran democracy and its citizens.