President of El Salvador takes a break – and wants to circumvent the constitution Inheriting is more lucrative for new billionaires than working themselves

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has taken a six-month leave of absence so he can run for re-election despite a constitutional ban. The accompanying motion was approved by parliament, the National Assembly announced on Friday evening (local time). With the time-out, Bukele wants to circumvent the constitutional ban on direct re-election.

Critics speak of manipulation of the Basic Law. Two years ago, the pro-government constitutional judges allowed Bukele to stand for re-election. The only requirement is a six-month break between terms.

Parliament appointed an interim president for the remainder of the term. The current private secretary of the presidency, Claudia Rodríguez, will take over the duties of head of state from next Friday, at Bukele’s proposal.

The presidential elections are on February 4. As a candidate of the Nuevas Ideas (New Ideas) party, the 42-year-old conservative Bukele leads all polls by a wide margin. Since 2019, he has ruled the country with six million inhabitants. His crackdown on criminal gangs is well received by the population.

If Bukele wins the presidential election as expected, his second five-year term will begin on June 1 – right after his leave ends.

El Salvador has been under a state of emergency since March 2022 in response to a wave of violence. In the fight against the gangs, a number of basic rights were suspended. More than 70,000 suspected gang members were arrested. Activists denounce arbitrary arrests and other human rights violations. (sda/dpa)