Latin America Today Piercing the Propaganda Bubble in El Salvador
Oct 20, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ricardo Valencia, an assistant professor and former Salvadoran journalist, dives deep into the political landscape under President Nayib Bukele. He highlights the fragility of Bukele's popularity, examining the economic woes and public discomfort with authoritarian tactics. Valencia explores the role of propaganda, social media, and the impact of decreased emigration on domestic pressure. He stresses the importance of supporting civil society in El Salvador as the regime faces growing vulnerability amidst its deceptive communications.
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Power Built On Party Collapse
- Bukele fused ideological and political power by exploiting the collapse of traditional parties and media illiteracy.
- His background in PR let him brand himself as a youthful alternative amid bipartisan failure.
Elite Networks Behind Bukele's Start
- Valencia traced Bukele's rise to family connections with the FMLN and early patronage that launched his mayoral career.
- Many of Bukele's cabinet and propagandists come from Arena or FMLN networks.
Social Media Met A Ready Message
- Social media amplified Bukele because opponents were communication-illiterate and traditional media lost reach.
- Technology mattered, but the message fit public frustration, not technology alone.
