Skip to main content
Global Edition
Friday, March 29, 2024

Salvadoran president rallies for loan to boost security

Duration: 01:38s 0 shares 1 views

Salvadoran president rallies for loan to boost security
Salvadoran president rallies for loan to boost security

El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele called on his supporters to join him in pressuring lawmakers to approve a loan to boost security and police to fight crime in the country.

Libby Hogan reports.

The leader of El Salvador ramped up efforts to bolster police and soldiers in the fight against the country's notorious crime- the same violence that migrants say has pushed them to leave.

President Nayib Bukele is pressuring lawmakers to approve a loan of over 100 million dollars.

On Sunday (February 9) Bukele summoned his supporters to demonstrate outside the capitol building.

Waving banners and blowing whistles, they answered Bukele's calls.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENT NAYIB BUKELE, SAYING: "Blood is on their (lawmakers) hands, without shame.

This loan was from last year, the funds were to due be applied to our police and soldiers.

" But human rights group Amnesty International called the introduction of armed soldiers by Bukele in the parliament an unnecessary military presence and raises international alarm over the future of human rights in the country.

The murder rate in El Salvador declined last year but authorities continue to battle gangs that control vast swathes of land.

Bukele supporter Douglas Molina pointed the finger at lawmakers.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) BUKELE SUPPORTER, DOUGLAS MOLINA, SAYING: "We have come out in support so that those who are corrupt can be removed from the Legislative Assembly." The 38-year-old president promised a "new era" when he was elected and pledged to reduce the number of young people joining gangs.

Bukele said he won't back down, unless congress acts.

And if the standoff continues he told the crowd they'd gather again next week.

You might like