Raisa Hernández Guerra, Executive Director of the Center for Research, Social, and Economic Studies of Central America (CIESCA), hailed the recent approval of El Salvador’s Anti-Corruption Law as a major step forward in the fight against corruption.
“This is a very significant advancement; few countries have this level of commitment,” Hernández stated during an interview on Canal 10 last night. She praised the law’s structure, highlighting the strength of the sanctions it establishes. “The sentences are exemplary, and offenders may be disqualified from holding public office for extended periods,” she added.
The Anti-Corruption Law, passed by the Legislative Assembly on February 7 with 59 votes in favor, outlines legal measures to prevent, detect, investigate, and sanction corrupt practices in public service. Comprising 22 articles, the law sets clear penalties for various offenses. In cases of embezzlement involving amounts of $10,000, prison sentences range from six to nine years. If the amount exceeds $10,000 but is less than $100,000, the penalty increases to between 12 and 15 years in prison.
Hernández also addressed the elimination of political debt, describing it as both an economic and democratic milestone for the country. “Efforts to eliminate political debt are minimal in other nations. I dare say that El Salvador is a pioneer in this regard,” she noted.
The newly enacted law underscores El Salvador’s commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability in public administration.