The approval of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele is on the rise in Costa Rica, with a recent survey revealing strong favorable perceptions among Costa Ricans. Conducted by OPol Consultores from October 17 to 24, the survey sampled 3,600 individuals and has a margin of error of +/- 1.6%. It assessed both the recognition and opinion of President Bukele among Costa Rican citizens.
This marks the second time Bukele has been included in the OPol Consultores survey, with the first being in June 2024. According to the latest findings, 85.7% of respondents are familiar with the Salvadoran leader. Of those who recognize him, 81.4% hold a positive view, while 8.6% express a negative opinion, and 10% either do not know or did not respond.
Compared to the survey conducted earlier this year, when 65.5% of Costa Ricans had a favorable opinion of Bukele, this represents a notable increase in approval. Additionally, when asked whether Costa Rica would benefit from leadership similar to that of Bukele, a striking 73.4% answered affirmatively, indicating significant support for his approach to governance.
The survey results suggest that Bukele’s leadership style is resonating with many Costa Ricans, with an increasing number seeing his bold political decisions as a model for their own country.