President Nayib Bukele has reiterated that the removal of the justices of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice on May 1, 2021, was essential for transforming El Salvador. He emphasized that the decision, though controversial at the time, was necessary to confront systemic corruption and unblock critical reforms.
On his X account, Bukele drew parallels with recent developments in the United States, where federal judges temporarily blocked several actions by President Donald Trump, including the deployment of the National Guard to Portland, Oregon. Bukele argued that similar judicial obstructions had previously hindered El Salvador’s progress. “When we removed our country’s corrupt judges, we faced a strong backlash from the so-called ‘international community,’ including the Biden administration. We did it anyway, because it was the only way to save our country,” he wrote.
The president has repeatedly stressed that corrupt judges form cartels that block essential reforms, preventing the government from effectively addressing security and economic challenges. Supporters argue that the 2021 judicial reforms allowed El Salvador to implement measures that contributed to making the country one of the safest in the continent and advancing its development agenda.
Bukele also referenced commentary from public figures who suggested that removing obstructive judges can be necessary for restoring effective governance, drawing comparisons to the challenges faced by other nations.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Bukele criticized the previous Constitutional Court for blocking measures designed to protect the population, asserting that he could not comply with rulings that endangered citizens. He maintains that decisive actions were required to safeguard the country and ensure that reforms could move forward.
The debate over judicial independence and the balance of power continues to be a polarizing topic in both El Salvador and the international community, as Bukele’s approach remains a controversial yet defining feature of his administration.