El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has made waves with a recent video showcasing a transformed Historic Center in San Salvador. In it, he highlights the significant changes his administration has implemented, turning a former hot spot of crime into a vibrant area aimed at national recovery. His message is clear: El Salvador is on a path of progress that stands in stark contrast to the political inaction observed elsewhere.
Bukele’s remarks punctuate the history of the Historic Center. He notes that this area once embodied all that plagued the nation—“earthquakes, a civil war, decades of disorder, and more than 30 years of gangs.” His administration opted to revitalize this site rather than create a new district, a move he describes as reclaiming the soul of the nation. This choice reflects a commitment to deep-rooted change rather than superficial fixes.
Before Bukele took office in 2019, San Salvador struggled with one of the highest homicide rates in the world, plagued by gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18. Their control led to extortion and displacement, leaving the Historic Center in decline. Since then, a marked shift has occurred, as crime statistics indicate a significant improvement in public safety.
In 2022, Bukele’s government initiated a bold crackdown on organized crime, employing military and police forces in unprecedented numbers. His administration declared a “State of Exception,” suspending certain rights to pursue gang members aggressively. As of December 2023, over 75,000 suspected gang members have faced arrest. While this strategy has faced criticism from human rights organizations for potential due process violations, local sentiment appears overwhelmingly supportive. A recent CID-Gallup poll reflects this, with Bukele enjoying a 90% approval rating.
The drop in crime has paved the way for infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities. The renovation of the Historic Center stands as a key example of this progress. Previously criticized for neglect, the area now boasts restored colonial buildings, improved lighting, and walkable streets. Families and tourists can now freely visit landmarks like the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which were once shrouded in disorder. In 2023, El Salvador welcomed over 2.4 million foreign visitors, a remarkable 30% increase since 2019.
Bukele’s vision for urban renewal has challenged conventional wisdom by prioritizing the rehabilitation of existing spaces over developing new ones. He acknowledges that this approach is not only more challenging but also more expensive, underscoring his commitment to demonstrate that “El Salvador is being reborn.”
Although specific figures for the Historic Center’s renovation remain sparse, the broader financial commitment to infrastructure since 2021 has been substantial, exceeding $4 billion. This includes the construction of a massive prison designed to house the country’s most dangerous inmates, developed in record time.
As the Historic Center flourishes, businesses are returning to central San Salvador. Data from the Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce reveal that over 5,000 new business licenses were issued from January to June 2023. New establishments are flourishing in neighborhoods once dominated by gang activity, with shop owners now able to operate without fear of extortion, igniting hope among local entrepreneurs.
Despite these advancements, critics voice concerns about potential long-term impacts on democracy and civil rights due to the administration’s aggressive tactics. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International document allegations of arbitrary detentions and abuses. Nevertheless, many Salvadorans are more focused on the immediate gains in public safety and quality of life. Evidence from multiple studies supports their optimism, noting that the national homicide rate has plummeted to just 2.4 per 100,000 in 2023, a dramatic decline from 52 per 100,000 in 2018.
International reactions to Bukele’s strategies display division. While many Latin American leaders commend his approach to combatting gang violence, U.S. and European officials urge caution, citing possible implications for human rights and institutional integrity. This skepticism materialized when the Biden administration decreased security-related funding to El Salvador, hesitant about democratic backsliding following the ousting of judges and the attorney general.
In response to external criticism, Bukele has dismissed what he sees as hypocrisy, emphasizing the need to protect his people. “They lecture us about rights while thousands die in their cities from crime,” he remarked. This forthright perspective is encapsulated in the viral video that aims to solidify his narrative—a lively Historic Center adorned with Christmas lights and filled with children playing, symbolizing the revival of a community once riddled with violence.
As Bukele’s administration continues to reshape the narrative around El Salvador, the transformation is evident. For many, this renewed vitality represents fewer funerals, new shops, and a reclaimed public space. Yet, questions linger regarding the sustainability of this model, especially concerning democratic governance. However, for those living in what was once deemed a “no-go zone,” change has arrived—evident in each revitalized block.
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