Bukele popularity may prove precarious in El Salvador

Significance

The easing of rules should help revive business activity, but looser restrictions on public gatherings have fostered protests nationwide. These relate to specific frustrations with the government’s handling of the pandemic, as well as broader concerns about weakening institutional support for the rule of law.

Impacts

• Non-payment of workers' salaries will spark concern among hitherto unaffected sectors that their salaries also might not be paid.
• Any increase in gang violence could quickly undermine Bukele’s claims to have provided security.
• US questioning of Bukele’s commitment to democracy could lead to reductions in US aid to El Salvador.