“We hope that President Bukele will restore a strong separation of powers, where they have been eroded, and that he will demonstrate the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” was the strong message from the Department of Government spokesman. ‘State.
At a news conference Monday morning, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price expressed his country’s government’s concern about the erosion of the separation of powers in El Salvador.
“We hope that President Bukele will restore a strong separation of powers, where they have been eroded, and that he will demonstrate the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability to the people of El Salvador,” Price said. according to a note of the Middle Voice of America, the US government’s international news service.
SEE: Corruption and impunity are “endemic” in El Salvador, according to US government report
According to this note, Price and the State Department’s concerns coincide with constant criticism that has been made of Nayib Bukele’s government in El Salvador.
On the one hand, Bukele has been noted for constant attempts to weaken the rule of law and the institutions that must control its power. An example of this was the military takeover of the Legislative Assembly on February 9, 2020, which the State Department pointed out in May last year as a significant democratic setback.
Likewise, the US government and multiple congressmen in this country have noted attempts to silence the Salvadoran independent press and the critical voices of government management.
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Finally, there is concern about signs of corruption within the Bukele administration, particularly regarding the use of emergency funds to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Democracy will continue to be a priority
In his press conference, Price stated that they will continue to “emphasize political leaders on the importance of democratic institutions.”
Democracy, as well as the fight against corruption, are priorities of the Biden administration for El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Addressing these points, according to the US government, can prevent the irregular migration of hundreds of Central American people to this American country.
In addition, the special envoy for the Northern Triangle, Ricardo Zúñiga, will travel to El Salvador and Guatemala between April 5 and 8 this year, to address the causes of illegal migration from and through the Central American countries.
It should be noted that Zúñiga’s visit to El Salvador will take place in the framework of Bukele’s attacks on Democratic Congresswoman Norma Torres after her criticisms of migration policies driven by Central American governments.