Bukele

Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez (born July 24, 1981) is a Salvadoran politician and businessman who has served as the president of El Salvador since 2019. He is the founder and leader of the Nuevas Ideas party and previously held municipal office, including as mayor of San Salvador. Bukele is known for a direct, media-savvy style and for campaigning on crime reduction, anti-corruption, and modernization of public institutions.

Early in his career he held local government posts and built a reputation for urban improvement projects and digital governance. He rose to national prominence after winning the presidency in 2019 with broad support from voters seeking a break with traditional parties.

Presidency: In office since June 1, 2019, Bukele's government has pursued a hardline approach to crime, including a nationwide security plan and, beginning in 2022, a state of emergency that led to large numbers of arrests. He also pushed for rapid digital initiatives and governance reforms. In 2021 El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender, the first such move by a sovereign nation, a policy that attracted attention from international lenders and investors and drew criticism from some governments and organizations.

Criticism and reception: Supporters credit Bukele with reducing crime and stimulating investment, while opponents and human rights groups raise concerns about due process, judicial independence, and media freedom. Critics point to centralization of power and the use of emergency measures. International reaction has been mixed, with some lenders warning about fiscal and governance risks while others applaud reform efforts.

Personal life: Bukele is married and has children. He has been described as a reformist populist who remains a polarizing figure in Central American politics.