Javier Milei Attends President Bukele’s Inauguration Following Landslide Victory in El Salvador

Nayib Bukele, the 42-year-old President of El Salvador, was inaugurated for a second term on June 1, 2024, following a landslide victory in February's election where he secured 85% of the vote. Despite the country's constitutional ban on consecutive presidential terms, Bukele's re-election was made possible by a loyalist Supreme Court ruling.

Bukele's popularity is largely attributed to his zero-tolerance policy on gang violence, which has significantly reduced crime rates and transformed El Salvador from one of the world's most dangerous countries into one of the safest in Latin America. His administration has arrested over 80,000 suspected gang members under a state of emergency declared in 2022.

However, Bukele's methods have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations. Reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and the killing of detainees have marred his administration's image. Critics argue that his approach undermines civil liberties and concentrates power excessively in the executive branch.

Bukele's second term begins amid significant economic challenges. El Salvador's public debt has ballooned to over $30 billion, equivalent to 84% of its GDP. More than a quarter of the population lives in poverty, and food inflation has outpaced salary increases. Despite these economic woes, Bukele remains the most popular leader in Latin America.

Why this matters: Nayib Bukele's second term as President of El Salvador has significant implications for the country's democratic institutions and human rights. His administration's actions will likely influence the region's approach to security and governance, with potential consequences for regional stability and international relations.

The inauguration ceremony at the National Palace in San Salvador was attended by high-profile international figures, including U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, King Felipe VI of Spain, and Argentine President Javier Milei. This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, which previously criticized Bukele's authoritarian tendencies but now seeks cooperation on immigration and security issues.

Bukele's New Ideas party has near-total control of the Legislative Assembly, holding 54 out of 60 seats. This consolidation of power has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances. As public policy expert Carlos Carcach noted, "What he has demonstrated is that the law is irrelevant and that he can do whatever he wants, how he wants."

Despite the controversies, Bukele remains defiant. In his inaugural address, he stated, "I'm not here to do what others think I should do. I'm here to do what's best for our country." He vowed to tackle economic issues with the same independent and unconventional approach that has characterized his administration.

As Bukele embarks on his second term, the international community will closely watch how he balances his aggressive security measures with the need for economic recovery and respect for human rights. His administration's actions will likely have significant implications for El Salvador's future and its standing in the global arena.

Key Takeaways

• Nayib Bukele inaugurated for 2nd term as El Salvador's President with 85% of the vote.
• Bukele's zero-tolerance policy on gang violence has reduced crime rates, but raised human rights concerns.
• El Salvador faces significant economic challenges, including $30 billion public debt and 25% poverty rate.
• Bukele's administration has near-total control of the Legislative Assembly, raising concerns about democratic erosion.
• International community will closely watch Bukele's balancing act between security, economy, and human rights in 2nd term.