El Salvador's President Launches Corruption Probe into His Own Government

El Salvador's leader Nayib Bukele has launched a surprise corruption probe into his own government, including himself, in an effort to avoid leaving a legacy tainted by theft. Bukele gathered all officials in the executive branch and asked the Attorney General to investigate them for bribery, both retroactively and going forward.

In a video announcement, Bukele expressed his fear of being remembered as a corrupt leader, like some previous presidents, and said he wants to be remembered as the president who didn't steal and didn't let anyone else steal. "I am afraid of leaving a bad legacy, of being the president who was surrounded by criminals," Bukele stated. "I want to be the president who didn't steal and didn't let anyone else steal either, and put whoever stole in prison."

The move is seen as a strike against graft in the country and was praised by social media users. Bukele emphasized that this is not the first time and will not be the last, and that their war against corruption will be as successful as their war against gangs. The president also announced the arrest of his own commissioner, Christian Flores Sandoval, on charges of bribery.

Why this matters: Bukele's anti-corruption efforts come as he faces criticism for actions that some say endanger El Salvador's fragile democracy. The probe into his own government demonstrates his commitment to fighting corruption and could help bolster his populist strongman image.

The officials present at the meeting were visibly surprised by Bukele's announcement. The Salvadoran Congress, which is under Bukele's control, also approved a change to a Constitutional article that will permit greater constitutional reforms without waiting for the congressional elections. Critics have called this move a "shot to the democracy of our country" and an attempt by Bukele to maintain power.

Bukele, who has launched a successful crackdown on corruption and gang violence since taking office in 2019, stated, "If you are in government, you should welcome being investigated to show you're clean." He reiterated his determination to not be the president who was surrounded by criminals, but rather the one who didn't steal, didn't let anyone else steal, and put whoever stole in prison.

Key Takeaways

• Salvadoran President Bukele orders corruption probe into his own govt.
• Bukele fears being remembered as a corrupt leader like predecessors.
• Bukele arrests his own commissioner on bribery charges.
• Bukele's anti-corruption efforts face criticism for endangering democracy.
• Bukele vows to put any corrupt officials in prison.