President Nayib Bukele has announced the introduction of the Foreign Agents Bill to El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly, following a protest allegedly orchestrated by self-proclaimed leftist groups and globalist NGOs. The president stated that these organizations manipulated vulnerable families to attack the government, using a case that dates back to 1998.
According to Bukele, the bill will impose a 30% tax on all donations received by foreign-funded NGOs, with revenues directed toward resolving a long-standing land dispute affecting approximately 300 families.
“Yesterday we witnessed how humble people were manipulated by self-proclaimed leftist groups and globalist NGOs, whose only real objective is to attack the government,” Bukele stated on his official X account.
The protest in question, the president noted, involved organized media coverage, coordinated transportation, and professionally printed banners, which he says confirms outside involvement. He also clarified that the legal case that sparked the protest had been resolved in court years ago, with a final ruling in favor of the creditor in all judicial instances.
While expressing empathy for the families involved, Bukele emphasized that it would be unfair for Salvadoran taxpayers to finance property disputes influenced by political and foreign interests.
“We understand the difficult situation of these 300 families and are willing to find a real solution,” he said. “However, it would be unjust for those who work hard to pay rent or housing fees to cover the cost of others’ claims through their taxes.”
The proposed Foreign Agents Bill aims to hold NGOs accountable by using their own funds to fulfill the causes they publicly support. President Bukele concluded that the initiative will bring balance by ensuring the families can settle their debts without burdening the general population.
“This way, everyone wins: families keep their homes, the population doesn’t fund private claims, and NGOs finally fulfill their supposed mission to help the people,” Bukele affirmed.
The Legislative Assembly is expected to review the proposed bill in the coming days.
