El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has secured the most favorable image among international political leaders in Uruguay, according to the 2025–2026 Latinobarómetro survey, reinforcing his strong standing across Latin America.
The study, conducted through face-to-face interviews in Uruguay between May 13 and June 15, 2026, found that Bukele received the highest net positive assessment among the international figures evaluated. Although nearly one-third of respondents said they were unfamiliar with him, favorable opinions significantly outweighed negative perceptions.
Latinobarómetro also identified Bukele as the best-rated leader across Latin America overall. His positive international image coincides with strong domestic support, with the survey’s report citing an 84% approval rating for his presidential performance in El Salvador.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping followed in the rankings, while Pope Leo XIV and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also recorded favorable net evaluations. In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received predominantly negative assessments.
The findings are based on a representative national sample of 1,200 adults in Uruguay, with a maximum estimated margin of error of 3.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Bukele’s leading position highlights the international visibility of El Salvador’s president and the continued prominence of his leadership in regional public opinion. The results further underscore El Salvador’s growing presence in discussions about political leadership and public approval throughout Latin America.