Economist Podcasts Trading criminality for autocracy: El Salvador
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Jul 28, 2023 
In this discussion, Sarah Burke, Economist Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, delves into El Salvador’s dramatic shift from gang violence to a crackdown by President Bukele. While the streets are safer, democracy faces grave threats. Burke highlights the plight of families affected by mass detentions and the chilling socio-economic impact on communities. The conversation unveils how Bukele's authoritarian tactics might influence neighboring countries, drawing a complex portrait of resilience amid oppression.
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Life in Las Cañas Before Bukele
- Sarah Burke visited Las Cañas, El Salvador, and spoke with Don Pedro, a local figure.
- Don Pedro described how gang violence made even simple walks impossible a year ago.
Origins of El Salvador's Gangs
- El Salvador's gangs originated in the US, formed by Salvadoran refugees, and strengthened through US deportations.
- These gangs controlled communities through extortion, significantly restricting daily life for ordinary citizens.
Bukele's Initial Strategy and the Turning Point
- Nayib Bukele, elected in 2019, initially made a pact with gangs to reduce violence, similar to previous administrations.
- This pact failed, leading to a surge in homicides in March 2022, prompting Bukele to declare a state of exception.