The Guardian finds El Salvador’s halving of murder rates problematic.

El Salvador’s Crackdown on Violent Gangs: A Short-Term Fix?

The Guardian recently criticized El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for his aggressive crackdown on violent organized crime, arguing that it fails to address the root causes of the issue. While the crackdown has undoubtedly made the country safer and gained Bukele popularity, The Guardian raises concerns about the high cost and potential long-term consequences of these methods.

“Even long-term critics acknowledge that extortion appears to have fallen sharply and that many in communities which lived in terror are enjoying the freedom to live their lives unmenaced. Yet others, many of them innocent of any crime, have paid a high price for a campaign that has trampled over basic rights: at least 153 people have died,” the editorial said.

The Guardian questions Bukele’s concentration of power and the sustainability of the crackdown. They argue that previous hardline approaches in the region have ultimately led to surges in crime, as they fail to address underlying issues such as poverty and discrimination. The editorial emphasizes that these methods can breed resentment and facilitate the recruitment of new gang members.

El Salvador’s murder rate has indeed plummeted by 56.8% in 2022, with authorities reporting 496 homicides compared to 1,147 in the previous year. However, The Guardian argues that this reduction may not be sustainable in the long run.

“[Critics] also say the fall in crime is unsustainable – with good reason. Previous hardline drives in the region have ended badly, followed by surges in offending. They do nothing to tackle underlying causes such as poverty and discrimination. They breed resentment and enable the recruitment and hardening of those not entrenched in gangs. Many of the criminal organizations that now terrorize parts of Latin America were born in prisons,” the editorial continued.

The Guardian also raises concerns about Bukele’s consolidation of power and the potential implications for the country’s future. They highlight his self-proclaimed title of “the coolest dictator in the world” and express worries about what he may do with renewed authority.

“It is assumed that the popularity of his crackdown will sweep him back into power next year, even though multiple experts say that would violate the country’s constitution. What worries opponents, scholars, lawyers, and civil society most is what he may do after that, with renewed authority,” the editorial said.

The Guardian concludes by cautioning against admiring or emulating Bukele’s approach, referring to it as “Bukelismo.”

Last month, Bukele invited journalists to speak with El Salvadorans on the street to witness the impact of the crackdown firsthand. He assured them that the country is safe and that they are free to go anywhere without fear.

El Salvador’s crackdown on violent criminals began last year in response to a surge in murders. Thousands of suspected gang members have been imprisoned in the country’s new maximum security facility. While the crackdown has achieved significant results, The Guardian’s editorial raises important questions about the long-term effectiveness and potential consequences of this approach.

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