In 2024, President Nayib Bukele began his second term in office after securing a historic victory in the February 4 elections, with 2,701,725 valid votes. His overwhelming support reflected a mandate for continued transformation in El Salvador. Bukele’s second term officially began on June 1, following his inauguration at the National Palace in San Salvador, where he outlined his key priorities: security and economic growth.
Territorial Control Plan (PCT) Revolutionizes Public Security
One of Bukele’s most significant achievements in his first term was transforming El Salvador’s security landscape. As part of his ongoing commitment to public safety, he highlighted the success of the Territorial Control Plan (PCT), which drastically reduced the country’s homicide rates and improved safety. The PCT, along with the implementation of a state of emergency in 2022, effectively dismantled gang violence, turning El Salvador into one of the safest nations in the region.
In his second term, President Bukele reiterated his focus on public security, emphasizing that the reduction of violence would allow the government to shift its attention to economic development. Bukele’s security plan continues to be a key pillar of his administration as he seeks to maintain stability and ensure that future growth is built on a foundation of safety.
Economic Plan Focuses on Key Sectors: Food, Technology, and Logistics
In addition to security, President Bukele unveiled an ambitious Economic Plan, which consists of six phases, with three phases already in progress:
Food Phase: The first phase focuses on addressing the cost of living for Salvadorans by eliminating tariffs on over 70 essential food products. To further support this, the government has established 55 agricultural markets across the country and opened a supply center in Soyapango, which helps to provide affordable products to citizens.
Technology Phase: Bukele’s administration recognizes the potential of technology as a driving force for economic growth. The government has committed to fostering the development of this sector to stimulate innovation, job creation, and investment.
Logistics Phase: The third phase involves major investments in the country’s ports, including La Unión Centroamericana and Acajutla. Turkish company YILPORT Holding is investing $1.615 billion to modernize and reactivate these key maritime terminals, further enhancing El Salvador’s role as a regional logistics hub.
These phases are designed to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for Salvadorans. Bukele’s economic vision is closely tied to his promise to continue transforming El Salvador into a modern, prosperous nation.
Legislative Support and Continued Reforms
The President’s second-term initiatives are supported by a strong majority in the Legislative Assembly, where 54 of the 60 deputies belong to Bukele’s Nuevas Ideas party. With this backing, the government has already passed critical reforms, including the approval of the 2025 national budget, which prioritizes investment in education, health, and security for vulnerable sectors. Additionally, the assembly has extended the state of emergency, which began in 2022 as part of the effort to combat gang violence.
As President Bukele enters his second term, his administration remains focused on the dual priorities of security and economic growth. By continuing to tackle gang violence through the Territorial Control Plan and advancing his Economic Plan, he aims to create a safer, more prosperous future for all Salvadorans.