El Salvador military action raises concerns

Subject

Bukele and congress.

Significance

Salvadoran troops on February 9 occupied the Legislative Assembly at the invitation of President Nayib Bukele. The occupation was intended as a high-profile stunt to pressure legislators into approving Bukele’s request for extra security funding. In reality, it revived memories of the country’s brutal civil war, sparking domestic and international criticism, undermining Bukele’s domestic and international image and probably bringing his honeymoon period to an abrupt end.

Impacts

• The military is now less likely to take part in large-scale security operations given concerns raised by its visible presence.
• Bukele’s new anti-corruption body is set to receive less funding and powers via congressional grant.
• Bukele will maintain his antagonistic stance ahead of the 2021 elections, where he hopes to boost his party’s legislative presence.