El Salvador’s Congress clears hurdle to speed constitutional reforms
Associated PressJAN 16
El Salvador Ratifies Amendment to Speed Constitutional Reforms
Above: Salvadoran Pres. Nayib Bukele speaks during a press conference at the Presidential House in San Salvador, El Salvador, on Jan. 14, 2025. Image copyright: Juan Carlos/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This unconstitutional constitutional amendment has bypassed parliamentary procedures, Supreme Court rulings, and constitutional requirements to further consolidate the authoritarian regime of Nayib Bukele. In the Salvadoran nearly single-party system, opens the door for express changes at the will of his Nuevas Ideas party.
Establishment-critical narrative
This amendment represents a decisive step towards the elimination of political debt — the use of taxpayers' money to finance political party — in El Salvador, as Bukele and his Nuevas Ideas promised to the nation. It's great news that public funds will now be used more efficiently.