In just five years, President Nayib Bukele has positioned El Salvador on the global stage, with renowned international media highlighting the country’s remarkable transformations in public security and economic growth.
Prominent outlets such as Milenio (Mexico), La Razón and elEconomista (Spain), The Trumpet and The New York Times (United States), among others, have detailed El Salvador’s progress, noting its shift from being one of the most violent nations in the world to the safest in the Western Hemisphere while experiencing significant economic advancements.
Spanish economic publication elEconomista recently emphasized El Salvador’s economic resurgence, citing analysts from JP Morgan who revised the country’s GDP growth potential to nearly 3%, up from the previous 2%. “The improvement has been substantial in recent years,” noted reporters Vicente Nieves and Carlota G. Velloso.
On the topic of security, elEconomista praised Bukele’s Territorial Control Plan (PTC) and the state of exception, which have led to a historic decline in crime rates. “El Salvador has achieved a significant reduction in homicides and other crimes,” the outlet stated, affirming the government’s effective security policies.
Meanwhile, The New York Times named El Salvador one of the top six tourist destinations in the Americas and the Caribbean for winter travel, lauding its warm climate and attractive landscapes. The outlet highlighted the ease of travel for U.S. citizens, including visa-free access and direct flights to major cities such as Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. The U.S. government’s decision to downgrade its travel advisory to Level 2 further underscores the improved security situation.
The Trumpet, a Philadelphia-based publication, featured an article titled “How a ‘Philosopher King’ Transformed El Salvador,” underscoring Bukele’s successful security strategies, which have drawn admiration from global leaders eager to replicate his methods.
Spain’s La Razón echoed this sentiment, stating that the “results in security are undeniable,” while acknowledging that countries like Argentina, Peru, Honduras, Chile, and Ecuador are exploring the “Bukele Method” to address crime.
Mexico’s Milenio also reported on El Salvador’s transformation, crediting Bukele with dismantling gang activity and establishing the nation as the safest in the Western Hemisphere.
President Bukele has emphasized that, with security challenges addressed, his administration’s focus now shifts toward advancing economic prosperity, further solidifying El Salvador’s new image on the world stage.