Nayib Bukele is a Salvadoran politician and businessman who has served as the President of El Salvador since June 1, 2019. Born on July 24, 1981, in San Salvador, he gained prominence as the mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán and later as the mayor of San Salvador before ascending to the presidency. Bukele is known for his unconventional approach to politics, leveraging social media platforms to communicate directly with the public.
In recent years, Bukele has implemented a series of controversial policies, including a stringent crackdown on gang violence, which has led to significant reductions in homicide rates but has also raised concerns about human rights and the erosion of democratic institutions.
His administration has faced criticism for actions perceived as undermining judicial independence and concentrating power. For instance, in 2021, the Legislative Assembly, controlled by his party, removed constitutional court judges and the attorney general, a move that drew sharp criticism from international observers.
In February 2024, Bukele won re-election with 84.65% of the vote, securing a second term that began on June 1, 2024. This victory was facilitated by a temporary leave from the presidency, during which he campaigned and was subsequently granted a license by the Legislative Assembly.
More recently, the U.S. administration deported approximately 250 alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, despite a federal judge’s order blocking the use of the Alien Enemies Act for such deportations. President Bukele reacted to this development with a ‘laughing emoji’ on social media, highlighting his government’s role in accepting these individuals.
For more insights into President Bukele’s initiatives and perspectives, you can follow his official Instagram account, where he shares updates and engages with followers.