President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador will be inaugurated for a second term on Saturday, enjoying increased popularity and power. He was reelected with 85 percent of the vote and has near-total control of parliament and other state institutions for the next five years.
Bukele, known for his tough stance on criminal gangs, calls himself a “cool dictator” and has high approval ratings due to his crackdown on crime. Despite criticism from some rights groups, he is considered the most popular leader in Latin America.
His party, New Ideas, also won a majority in legislative elections, securing 54 out of 60 seats. However, concerns over the economy, government debt, and rising prices are starting to overshadow his public safety initiatives.
Bukele, a social media-savvy leader, has faced accusations of authoritarianism but continues to enjoy public support. His ability to seek reelection was made possible by a Supreme Court ruling that bypassed a constitutional ban on consecutive terms.
He has been vocal about his mission to eradicate gangs, blaming them for thousands of murders over the years. Bukele has taken drastic measures, such as declaring a state of emergency and constructing a massive prison to hold suspected gang members.
Despite his success in reducing crime rates, there have been reports of human rights violations and abuses in detention centers.
As he enters his second term, Bukele will have more power to push through reforms, potentially focusing on economic growth and prosperity. However, challenges such as public debt and slowing economic growth remain.
His decision to make bitcoin legal tender in El Salvador has also been controversial, with concerns about volatility and risks associated with the cryptocurrency. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by dignitaries from around the world, including former US President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.
