El Salvador's government, led by President Nayib Bukele, has enacted constitutional reforms allowing for indefinite presidential reelection. These changes were introduced, approved, and ratified in a single night without public consultation, consolidating Bukele's control over the country's political future. Bukele's party dominates the legislative assembly, which facilitated the removal of presidential term limits. The move has drawn comparisons to authoritarian regimes, with observers noting the rapid pace of Bukele's consolidation of power, surpassing that of Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega. Despite criticism, Bukele maintains high popularity due to his aggressive policies against gangs, which have resulted in tens of thousands jailed without trial and the exodus of his critics. The United States government has rejected comparisons of Bukele's administration to dictatorial regimes. Analysts warn that El Salvador's security gains may come at the expense of democratic principles, with Bukele potentially able to remain president for decades. The situation reflects broader trends of right-wing authoritarianism, as seen in countries like Hungary under Viktor Orban, whose model has influenced conservative movements including those supported by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
New in PN: The slide toward "competitive authoritarianism" "Orbán subverted democracy w/ gerrymandering & by creating a national right-wing media network. He installed loyalists as prosecutors, ensuring the courts went after his enemies. Sound familiar?" https://t.co/hYyBZM9cqS
From Fringe to Front-Runner: Why the New Right Is Surging in Europe | Javier Villamor, The European Conservative Over the past two decades, Europe’s political landscape has been transformed. What seemed unthinkable just fifteen years ago—that formations of the so-called “New https://t.co/8MVYPYTWgA
“Viktor Orban taught a generation of conservatives that the state should not be dismantled but rather wielded in pursuit of right-wing causes and against opponents. This is why tiny Hungary has become a model for so many Trump supporters.” https://t.co/fV7lSxCQFZ