El Salvador's Bukele Open to Staying in Power for 10 More Years
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
With no term limits in El Salvador, Bukele is ready for an authoritarian consolidation that follows a predictable pattern of court-packing, emergency powers abuse and institutional dismantling — similar to Nicaragua and Venezuela's descent into dictatorship. Rushed constitutional changes that breach existing democratic norms are a red flag, and extended rule will likely lead to economic deterioration and renewed migration crises.
Pro-government narrative
As long as this is the will of the people, it must be up to Bukele to decide together with his family when he is to retire. Whether he remains in power until 2027, 2029, 2033, for more than a decade or even more should not be a big deal as most developed nations allow indefinite reelection of their leaders. It's outrageous that there is a double standard against El Salvador and other smaller nations.
