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Why El Salvador elected a self-proclaimed 'coolest dictator'

Why El Salvador elected a self-proclaimed 'coolest dictator'

FromPost Reports


Why El Salvador elected a self-proclaimed 'coolest dictator'

FromPost Reports

ratings:
Length:
31 minutes
Released:
Feb 7, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

On Sunday, President Nayib Bukele won reelection in El Salvador in a landslide. Today, The Post’s Mary Beth Sheridan addresses what’s behind Bukele’s striking popularity, his self-proclaimed nickname on social media and his controversial war on gangs.Nayib Bukele first took office in 2019 as an independent, becoming El Salvador’s – and Latin America’s – youngest president. He made a name for himself through his alleged crackdown on gangs and savvy use of social media to market his efforts. While consolidating power and operating in a state of emergency, Bukele oversaw the imprisonment of more than 1 percent of El Salvador’s population. The improvements to safety have been celebrated across El Salvador, and other Latin American leaders are taking note of the approach. But these developments are also raising concerns that they come at a cost to human rights and democracy. Despite voting irregularities and a controversial decision that allowed him to skirt a ban on immediate reelection, Bukele continues to have widespread support. Read More: ‘World’s coolest dictator’ reelected in El Salvador: What to know.How to match Bukele’s success against gangs? First, dismantle democracy.Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon and edited by Monica Campbell. It was mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Carmen Valeria Escobar for additional reporting. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
Released:
Feb 7, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Post Reports is the daily podcast from The Washington Post. Unparalleled reporting. Expert insight. Clear analysis. Everything you’ve come to expect from the newsroom of The Post. For your ears. Martine Powers is your host, asking the questions you didn’t know you wanted answered. Published weekdays by 5 p.m. Eastern time.