El Salvador, once plagued by violence and instability, has undergone a dramatic transformation under President Nayib Bukele. As reported by the Financial Times (FT), the Central American nation has seen unprecedented reductions in crime and a rebranding campaign that has positioned it as a haven for cryptocurrency and tourism. However, Bukele’s methods have drawn sharp criticism for authoritarianism and human rights violations, raising complex questions about governance and the price of progress.
In his recent year-end address, Bukele touted El Salvador as “an example to the world of peace, confidence, and optimism.” His government’s successes include a record-low murder rate, a $1.4 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the rising value of bitcoin, which Bukele adopted as legal tender in 2021. Yet these achievements are tempered by a security crackdown that has seen more than 83,000 people jailed since March 2022 under state-of-emergency laws, according to FT.
The impact of Bukele’s policies is starkly visible in the capital, San Salvador. Once-dangerous areas like Plaza Gerardo Barrios are now bustling with families and tourists. Modern office towers and shopping centers have reshaped the skyline, with international companies like Google establishing a presence. Tourism has surged, driven by developments like Surf City, which capitalizes on El Salvador’s pristine beaches and surfing conditions.
Yet the methods behind this transformation are deeply controversial. Bukele has concentrated power by dismissing judges, extending states of emergency 34 times, and suspending civil liberties. His security initiatives, including the opening of the Americas’ largest maximum-security prison, have been widely criticized by human rights groups. The FT highlights reports of torture, deaths in custody, and arbitrary detentions.
Despite these concerns, Bukele remains one of the world’s most popular leaders, with approval ratings exceeding 90 percent. Many citizens credit him for bringing stability and hope to a nation that once depended heavily on remittances from abroad. Even critics acknowledge the effectiveness of his crackdown on violent gangs, which has dramatically improved daily life for ordinary Salvadorans.
Internationally, Bukele has drawn admiration from figures like Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson, with the latter calling him a “blueprint for saving the world.” A U.S. delegation, including Donald Trump Jr., attended Bukele’s re-election in 2024. Meanwhile, Western governments, initially skeptical of Bukele’s authoritarian tendencies, are now grappling with how to engage with his administration.
The IMF’s decision to provide a $1.4 billion loan reflects this dilemma. While the fund praised Bukele’s economic reforms, critics argue that supporting his government implicitly condones its disregard for the rule of law. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned of the risks of enabling Bukele’s consolidation of power.
The FT also sheds light on troubling incidents, such as the death of Alejandro Muyshondt, a former national security adviser who accused Bukele’s inner circle of corruption. Muyshondt’s family alleges severe abuse during his detention, underscoring concerns about the treatment of prisoners under Bukele’s regime.
As El Salvador’s transformation continues, questions remain about its future. Will Bukele honor constitutional term limits and step down in 2029, or will he follow the path of Latin America’s long-standing strongmen? The FT observes that his administration’s imagery, from portraits in airports to sweeping presidential authority, evokes memories of 20th-century dictators.
Bukele’s supporters argue that his approach has delivered tangible results, providing security and economic opportunity in a region long troubled by violence and poverty. Yet for his critics, including the families of those detained or deceased, the cost of this progress may be too high.
As Western governments weigh whether to engage with Bukele or challenge his methods, El Salvador’s experiment offers a polarizing case study. It is, as FT notes, both a model for the global far right and a cautionary tale about the risks of authoritarianism disguised as reform.
