“We hope that President Bukele restores a strong separation of powers, where they have been eroded, and that he demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” was the strong message of the State Department spokesman.
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 restores a strong separation of powers, where they have eroded, and demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability to the people of El Salvador,” Price said in a statement. 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 the constant criticism of the Nayib Bukele government in El Salvador.
On the one hand, Bukele emphasized constant attempts to weaken the rule of law and the institutions that must control their 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 obstacle.
Likewise, the US government and several congressmen in that country have indicated attempts to silence the Salvadoran independent press and critical voices about the government’s management.
AND: US Special Envoy for the Northern Triangle, Ricardo Zúñiga, to visit El Salvador to check causes of irregular migration
Finally, there are concerns about allegations of corruption within the Bukele administration, in particular about the management of emergency funds to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Democracy will continue to be a priority
In his press conference, Price said they would continue to “emphasize to political leaders 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 Americans to that North American country.
In addition, the Special Envoy for the Northern Triangle, Ricardo Zúñiga, will travel to El Salvador and Guatemala on April 5-8 this year to address the causes of illegal migration to and from Central American countries.
It should be noted that Zúñiga’s visit to El Salvador will take place within Bukele’s attacks on Democratic Congressman Norma Torres after his criticisms of the migration policies promoted by Central American governments.