President Nayib Bukele has urged Salvadorans to remember and appreciate the profound changes the country has undergone in recent years. In a video posted on his official X account, Bukele highlighted the peace, tranquility, and security that El Salvador has achieved under his administration.

Marking the third anniversary of the state of emergency, Bukele reflected on the nation’s progress, stating, “It is important to always remember what we have achieved together.” The 44-second video showcases the newfound joy and happiness among Salvadorans, illustrating how the country has transitioned from a history of violence to a state of security and stability.

El Salvador has been under a state of emergency since March 27, 2022, a measure implemented after a deadly wave of gang violence swept across twelve of the nation’s fourteen departments. The crisis prompted the Council of Ministers to request emergency powers from the Legislative Assembly, allowing the government to take decisive action against criminal organizations.

“Perhaps now it seems normal to us to live without fear, with peace and freedom. Perhaps we’ve grown accustomed to hearing that El Salvador is the safest country on the continent,” Bukele remarked in the video, emphasizing how dramatically the nation’s security landscape has changed.

Once regarded as one of the most dangerous places in the world, El Salvador has now become the safest country in the Western Hemisphere, according to Bukele’s administration. The success of his public security policies has drawn international attention, with other governments looking to replicate similar strategies to combat organized crime.

As the current extension of the state of emergency is set to expire on April 5, the Legislative Assembly is expected to vote on a new extension in its plenary session next Tuesday. This decision will determine whether the emergency measures remain in place as the government continues its efforts to maintain and build upon the country’s hard-won security achievements.