El Salvador’s president tops international image rankings, surpassing global leaders from North America, Europe, and Asia
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has been recognized as the world’s highest-rated leader, topping a ranking of 21 global leaders in the latest international survey conducted by Chilean polling firm Cadem. With a remarkable 77% favorable image rating, Bukele stands above prominent presidents and prime ministers from North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.
The survey, which assesses public perceptions of global political figures, places Bukele in first place, followed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (61%) and Pope Leo XIV (57%). French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping tied for fourth place with 56%, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer followed closely at 53%. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (50%), Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (48%), Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (47%), and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi (44%) rounded out the top ten.
Notably, President Bukele outperformed U.S. President Donald Trump (36%), Brazilian President Lula da Silva (44%), and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (41%). At the bottom of the list were Luis Arce of Bolivia (15%), Ali Khamenei of Iran (11%), and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela (3%).
According to experts consulted by Diario El Salvador, Bukele’s international popularity is rooted in his results-driven leadership and decisive approach to public safety. Political science professor Francisco Góchez stated that the president’s global appeal stems from “a governing style focused on solving the real problems of the Salvadoran population, rather than relying on rhetoric or protocol.”
Under President Bukele’s administration, El Salvador has undergone a dramatic transformation in security. In 2024, the country recorded a historic homicide rate of just 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest in the Western Hemisphere. This stands in stark contrast to the 106.3 per 100,000 rate recorded in 2015, during the previous FMLN government.
“This drastic reduction in homicides sets a precedent in Latin America and is the result of strong political will and the coordinated effort of state institutions,” Góchez added.
The Territorial Control Plan and emergency security measures implemented by Bukele’s government have drawn international attention, with countries such as Honduras now adopting similar policies to combat gangs and organized crime. The president’s model of high-impact incarceration and territorial security has positioned El Salvador as a reference point for effective anti-crime strategies in the region.
Political analyst Óscar Peñate concluded, “President Bukele enjoys sustained popularity because he delivers results. He has addressed long-standing needs of the Salvadoran people and exceeded expectations. That success has made him a model for governance throughout Latin America.”
“This drastic reduction in homicides sets a precedent in Latin America and is the result of strong political will and the coordinated effort of state institutions,” Góchez added.
The Territorial Control Plan and emergency security measures implemented by Bukele’s government have drawn international attention, with countries such as Honduras now adopting similar policies to combat gangs and organized crime. The president’s model of high-impact incarceration and territorial security has positioned El Salvador as a reference point for effective anti-crime strategies in the region.
Political analyst Óscar Peñate concluded, “President Bukele enjoys sustained popularity because he delivers results. He has addressed long-standing needs of the Salvadoran people and exceeded expectations. That success has made him a model for governance throughout Latin America.”