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In Central America, El Salvador’s president has become more popular than the Pope—and no, it’s not because he decided to make Bitcoin legal tender back in 2021.
What happened: The country once known for having the world’s highest murder rate has locked away over 70,000 accused criminals in the last year (part of a sweeping campaign to crack down on powerful gangs) and cut the homicide rate by 92% from 2015 levels.
- President Nayib Bukele’s approval rating now sits at 90%, the highest of any politician in the region, including the leaders of both Brazil and Mexico.
Catch-up: Nearly 7% of the country’s male population aged 14-29 is now in jail, some on shaky grounds—a suspicious tattoo or an anonymous tip is sufficient evidence. Though ~6,000 people have been released, those detained have yet to face individual trials.
- Critics claim that innocent people have been arrested, human rights have been violated, and the crackdown doesn’t address the underlying causes of crime.
Why it matters: If Bukele continues to consolidate his power, a good thing could sour in the long run. The man who dubbed himself “the coolest dictator in the world” is already seeking another term as president, though the country’s constitution does not allow re-elections.
- Many Salvadorans, especially educated ones, are aware of these risks but tolerate the authoritarian tendencies of Bukele because they support his anti-gang campaign.
- The country’s central bank found gang activity had stifled economic growth, costing the economy $4 billion (16% of GDP) in 2014 and affecting 70% of small businesses.
Zoom out: Officials are still figuring out the legality and economics of keeping over 70,000 people imprisoned (indefinitely), but other countries grappling with high crime are already adopting the playbook. In December, Honduras rolled out a similarly hardline approach.—SB