El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has earned widespread approval in Chile, securing the title of the best-evaluated international leader, according to a recent study by Cadem, Chile’s leading market and public opinion research firm. The survey reveals that Bukele holds an impressive 81% positive image among Chileans, with 42% expressing a desire for the next Chilean president to adopt a leadership style similar to his.
Bukele’s popularity in Chile surpasses that of other global leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ranks second with a 64% approval rating, followed by UK opposition leader Keir Starmer at 60%, French President Emmanuel Macron at 57%, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at 56%. In contrast, figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolivia’s Luis Arce, and Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro received the lowest ratings, with Putin earning just 22%, Arce 18%, and Maduro a mere 3%.
The Cadem study also included assessments of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has a 43% positive evaluation in Chile. Chileans generally view Trump as a leader who understands Americans’ concerns and has the charisma to lead, though his honesty and respect for institutions are seen as weaknesses.
The approval of President Bukele is particularly notable when compared to the local political landscape. According to the same survey, Chilean President Gabriel Boric has a significantly lower approval rating, with only 28% of Chileans expressing positive views on his leadership and 64% disapproving of his management. This stark contrast underscores Bukele’s higher international standing.
Bukele’s positive image is largely attributed to his successful public security strategy, which has earned international recognition. Under his leadership, El Salvador has made significant strides in reducing gang violence and improving police effectiveness. His government’s approach, including the creation of the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), has been widely praised as a model for combating organized crime.
Recently, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves publicly commended Bukele’s public security management and announced that he would be awarding Bukele the Juan Mora Fernández distinction, which honors foreign individuals for outstanding contributions.
As Bukele continues to receive favorable evaluations both in Latin America and globally, the results of this latest survey further solidify his standing as one of the most influential and well-regarded leaders in the region.