El Salvador’s transformation under President Nayib Bukele was a focal point at the International Conference on State and Democracy (CIED) 2024, inaugurated by Vice President Félix Ulloa. The event brought together government officials, academics, international experts, and university students to discuss the country’s progress across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on security.
During the opening remarks, Vice President Ulloa highlighted the profound changes since Bukele’s election in 2019, noting that the implementation of the Territorial Control Plan (PCT) was a turning point for the nation. “El Salvador was once a failed state, marked by corruption. Today, it is recognized as the safest country in the Western Hemisphere,” Ulloa said, emphasizing how the PCT has restored safety and freedom for Salvadorans, who had previously lived under the control of gangs and organized crime.ç
Minister of Justice and Public Security, Gustavo Villatoro, echoed this sentiment, explaining that the PCT and the state of emergency have significantly reduced crime across the country. “In 2023, we ended the year with 2.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, and we expect to close 2024 with even fewer,” Villatoro stated, citing a more than 40% reduction in violent crimes. He also criticized previous administrations for failing to address gang violence and weakening institutions meant to combat crime.
Macarena Olona, a Spanish lawyer and former deputy, praised Bukele’s security model, calling El Salvador a “beacon for the world” and noting that many countries are looking to replicate its success. The conference underscored the pivotal role of the PCT in reshaping El Salvador’s security landscape, offering a promising example for other nations struggling with similar challenges.