President Nayib Bukele has emerged as the most mentioned Central American leader in European media, according to the «Atlas of Interests between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean.» The study, presented at the VIII Congress of media editors from both regions, highlights Bukele’s increasing global influence, particularly in the European Union (EU).
The report indicates that Bukele accounted for 15% of news mentions in EU states between February 2023 and February 2025. This recognition places him among the most relevant Latin American leaders in European political discourse, alongside Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The «Atlas of Interests» study analyzed over 89 million online interactions between populations in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the EU during the two-year period. Sociologist and analyst René Martínez asserts that Bukele has solidified his leadership not just in Central America, but on a global scale.
«Nayib Bukele has managed to position himself as one of the most important leaders in the world. Nayib inherited a country in flames and deaths, and managed to turn it into the safest country in the Western Hemisphere,» Martínez told Diario El Salvador.
Martínez attributes Bukele’s prominence to his charisma, direct engagement with citizens, and decisive leadership in addressing El Salvador’s key challenges. In the February 4, 2024, elections, Bukele secured a historic 2.7 million votes, underscoring his strong popular support.
Security and Tourism: Key Areas of International Recognition
The report also highlights that security and sports are the two most relevant topics for European audiences when following Latin America and the Caribbean. Security accounted for 16% of media interest, an area where Bukele’s administration has been particularly notable.
Since the implementation of the Territorial Control Plan and the state of emergency in 2019 and 2022, respectively, El Salvador has transformed its security landscape. In January 2025, Bukele announced that the country had achieved a homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.
This improved security climate has also fueled a significant boost in tourism. According to UN Tourism, El Salvador’s international tourist arrivals surged from 1.7 million in 2019 to 3.9 million in 2024, an 81% increase, earning the country recognition as the «World’s Tourism Capital» in 2024.
Bukele’s Leadership in the Global Spotlight
Beyond Central America, Bukele ranks as the third most mentioned Latin American leader in European news. The report states that in South America, Argentina’s Javier Milei leads in media presence, while in North America, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum holds the top position.
Following this trio of influential leaders, the study lists Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, each receiving around 6% of news mentions.
As European interest in Latin America continues to grow, the «Atlas of Interests» underscores how El Salvador’s security transformation and economic development under Bukele’s leadership have cemented his international standing. With his administration continuing to attract global attention, Bukele remains a key figure in shaping the region’s political and economic future.