El Salvador's New President Thinks He Can Turn The Country Around

Meet Nayib Bukele, the 37-year-old president of El Salvador. He takes office facing a humanitarian and economic crisis and that's pushed thousands of Salvadorans to flee north to the United States.
As the first millennial head of state in Latin America, and a self-fashioned post-partisan reformer, he thinks he's got a plan to fix his country that's seen epic levels of political corruption and one of the world’s highest murder rates, because of gangs like MS-13 and 18th Street.
"The gangs have been running this parallel state," Bukele told VICE News, "They charge taxes, they control territory, they provide security. But I'm not gonna convert their de facto power into formal power.”
The son of a motorcycle magnate, Bukele entered politics at 31, and should be an ideal partner for President Trump’s efforts to stem migration from Central America. Even though the White House confirmed this week it would halt payments on $500 million in aid to El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, Bukele’s plan has always hinged on enticing U.S. companies to invest. If private capital can be lured south, perhaps labor won’t travel north.
Hopes might be high this early in the afterglow of his inauguration in June, but the security challenges remain daunting. Murder, extortion and sexual assault continue to drive people out of the country, and the leadership of the country's biggest gang, MS-13, want political legitimacy, a concession Bukele refuses.
Rather, he says, he wants to compete with gangs to provide better opportunities. “We need job programs especially directed to those communities,” he said.
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[@VICENews]

"The gangs have been running this parallel state," Bukele told VICE News, "They charge taxes, they control territory, they provide security. But I'm not gonna convert their de facto power into formal power.” WATCH NEXT: MS-13's Active Members Are Laughing At Trump's Crackdown - bit.ly/2E4s92I

[@noemibarrios4056]

WELL LET THEM LAUGH I USE TO WORK AT THE JAIL IN TUCSON AND THEY WERE NOT LAUGHING TRUMP WILL GET THE LAST LAUGH!

[@JoseMartinez-jm1bu]

They can " laugh " all they want down there in hell Salvador. How do you like that ?

[@Saiputera]

The irony vice news is supporting ms-13s gang group.😂😂😂😂

[@dsolis7532]

The president of Costa Rica came to power at age 38 last year. Doesn't that make him the first millennial president of LA?

[@katinamarie6651]

Police in el Salvador hide their identity with mask bc they are marked if their identity is found.

[@WestCoastShoeHead]

Who’s here after he had 6,000 gang members arrest in 10 days and still counting

[@gzzyhwhsg]

25,000 now, in 41 days

[@larry_lee9438]

Me

[@saidibrahim5931]

30,000 the real number

[@derelictspodcast]

Hahahahha

[@jiddern973]

I hope he poisons their food; So problem solved !

[@chrisvalle7249]

And he did!!!! I’ve never felt so safe visiting. Just got back and for the first time was able to Uber around all alone. I’ve never seen the people so happy, elders walking alone at night. It’s such a beautiful country and now you can see it and enjoy it. God bless this man, he did it!

[@darklord7069]

Then try living there. No excuse anymore for you to be a pocho

[@lubex3486]

He indeed fulfilled his promise, the lying corrupt politicians in the west should learn

[@-SidneyPrescott]

u best not be lying

[@TheJewishAzovMember]

​@@-SidneyPrescotttheir murder rate went from 88 per 100,000 in 2015 to under 3 today.

[@RandomPerson-lk6cb]

@@darklord7069bro really said pocho 💀

[@gerardoek3477]

2 years later he’s cracking down on gangs with an iron fist

[@xllzi306]

As he should

[@jeangabrielcotto508]

And is that suppose to be Bad?

[@kylegrant9980]

The GDP has moved. Its been increasing at 2% same as before he came into office. Other than become rich he hasnt done anything for the country.

[@jeangabrielcotto508]

@@kylegrant9980 before him those street gangs Cockroaches rule the streets, putting fear on the innocent and helpless people, now Those Cockroaches are hiding and burning their tattoos so the cops don't notice them, the Tattoos of Those Cockroaches Salvatruchas and 18 meant power and Pride and now they are burning those tattoos because they are scared, and all thanks to that President that for You has done nothing, the true question is and what have You done? If You feel their president as done nothing, You go on and adopt one of Those Cockroaches You love so much

[@yaci7945]

@Obelix Bruh, you do know that their GDP dropped by 8.6% in 2020 right? growing by 10% means that they barrely surpassed their previous high.

[@atazoth_rising]

4 years later and he sure fucking did. Bukele forever.

[@disobey5615]

I pray that one day this country is safe and secure for all its people.

[@pitofito9582]

Anthony Strong I pray that too but so far Nayib Bukele is doing a great job. We’re slowly making progress!

[@flacko_r3519]

Even the Salvadorian Police and Soldiers kill inocente people thinking that they are gang members

[@locomoco2012]

When you say "I pray" you are canceling action and deciding not to take responsibility. What does that even mean "I pray" what does that mean?

[@josea.martinez2234]

@@locomoco2012 I pray doesn't mean cancelling action, It's just a metaphore for hope and when people have hope there is action.

[@locomoco2012]

@@josea.martinez2234 that could not be further from the truth. Most of us could agree with lack self discipline thru out all nationalities. I hope Santa Claus comes to town. I DO HOPE SO. I REALLY REALLY DO HOPE SO.

[@moris2896]

Almost 3 years later and he has proven he was what el Salvador needed

[@MTC008]

the way of the title name of this video is disrespectful, they need to change it in a much better naming

[@FranciscoLima-vr3ir]

As a person who lives in El Salvador I think Nayib Buckle did a great job by arresting more than 50'000 gang members and promoting the image of our country who was seen as a country with only a bunch of criminals

[@vette-uo5bm]

This aged well

[@el-Cu9432]

He's doing what he promised. Rare for a politician. Good for him!

[@nehemiaschicas5639]

Dude did what nobody else’s had done, I’m surprised he actually did it thought. As a Salvadorian, I’m so fucking proud of what El Salvador has become

[@bella_1364]

Literally the first president to actually care for my country and not rob from them I’ve never been so glad

[@startingtech3900]

He lost your country alot of $ in bad BTC investments (crashed prices bought at 33k+) but he’s a badass

[@lubex3486]

He indeed fulfilled his promise, the lying corrupt politicians in the west should learn

[@josec1538]

@@startingtech3900 good thing he will make it back plus more

[@kn1ght722]

My relatives that still live in El Salvador are so happy that proper change is finally there, hopefully the good news continues!

[@KingLarbear]

I'm glad he kept his word

[@kevinselfimprovement]

I hope he stays in office man!!!

[@omarperez603]

This man right here is a great leader much respect the future of el salvador looks bright..hope to one day move there

[@silvermont331]

We need a brand new documentary 😢because Nayib Bukele said what he was gonna do and he’s done it. Today May 6-2023 is another bright story to tell about El Salvador ❤I’m visiting that country and see with my own eyes finally. 2Bcontinue… and let’s progress together 😅

[@lubex3486]

He indeed fulfilled his promise, the lying corrupt politicians in the west should learn

[@xFPSPROx]

4 years later , i just came back from el salvador with my brothers and friends, something i couldn’t do back in 2019. everything is so safe , it’s incredible

[@altalty6023]

He did. Anyone who lives in El Salvador or has family in El Salvador knows the difference is night and day. I used to think I would never, EVER go back to El Salvador but now I think I will.

[@Patchaddictedpolymath]

I recently went and would recommend you go. It's amazing what he did there

[@Ryu_Shotokan]

He definitely did,this guy wasn't messing around

[@ismaelespin]

Come 4 years later and he's done so much more than he promised. Nayib Bukele is the best president in the current world. Nayib Bukele 2024!!!

[@malikmuhammadqasimqasim4785]

Action, after all, speaks louder than words....👍

[@rudyrodriguez7892]

Soy Mexicano pero respeto mucho al presidente Salvadoreño! Que Dios se los cuide y acompañe en sus proyectos en purificar su hermoso país

[@michaelarchangel1514]

As I right this comment He is Proud of him as an Salvadorean descendant Dios lo bendiga Mr Bukele

[@Redbull357]

2 years later and the country is doing better than ever!

[@yunggkieeef6984]

are you from el salvadore? im really curious what citizens think about that crypto-plan ? is this going to make living better in any way? or worse?

[@Redbull357]

@@yunggkieeef6984 Yes, I'm from El Salvador. We have some people who think Bitcoin will help people that don't have banks and people that receive money from the US (almost everyone). Of course there are your crybabies who think that Bitcoin is only for the rich and blah blah blah. I think it's a step in the right direction and we welcome it.

[@yunggkieeef6984]

@@Redbull357 oh, thank you for that impression! well, lets see where this leads. hope one day, we all get, what we deserve. all the best mate! cheers.

[@yusepe1067]

and how is it going currently?

[@Redbull357]

@@yusepe1067 All good. Better than ever actually.

[@Johntheheadache]

I'm not Salvadorian or a politically involved person, but I am in AWE of this dude. Respect!!

[@2011Cape]

A lot of us from the United States are socially liberal and believe in human rights but for LAWFUL CITIZENS! We applaud your efforts and wish you continued success!

[@cxrlitosway]

My parents fled El Salvador in 1990, I was born in Canada. I'm glad the country is finally heading towards the right direction, I've always wanted to visit their hometown without any worry but family back home have told us multiple times not to come

[@user-gd8du8yd5d]

Never met a Salvadoran who didn’t love this guy! He’s such a great leader.

[@josec1538]

Only the corrupt leaders, friends and their families who flee to avoid prosecution hate him lol

[@koushyarheidaribateni5093]

This man is a visionary and can turn things around despite all the enemies foreign and domestic. Love El Salvador.

[@andrewwang8021]

"He doesn't want people to go, I don't want people to leave," "Not only the image, I think it's called momentum," "Yeah hope. Hope is a great engine." All great lines! A charismatic president, and an informative video.

[@carlosalbertozelaya7935]

He fckng did it, mad respect to you SIR.... ♥️🇸🇻

[@DMD96]

This president is a badass. He has Middle Eastern roots too 🙌🏼👳🏻‍♂️

[@Fillemexicaine36]

Yes, tough as nails!

[@Annexation_]

My dad and his family are Salvadoran people. He, his brothers and parents grew up during the civil war and had family fighting on both sides of the war. My dad and his family eventually found refuge in Canada where I was born. My family who stayed there to endure and survive that war, had to endure and survive the terrorism, death and destruction these gangs brought to the people, and the incompetence and corruption of every government allowing it to happen. When I went in 2016 to visit my homeland it was a beautiful, but impoverished and entrenched homeland. The people were struggling and there seemed no hope. Now in 2023, the difference from when this video was made and where the country is…is just astonishing. Bukele stepped in and worked on what seemed like an impossible, unattainable dream, and made it into the peoples reality. The people of my ancestors country can finally grow and step forward in peace, and build the future they were meant to have. The people can finally walk their own streets, make their own money, and live and love in their own homes with security and peace. The people for the first time in many generations, finally have *Hope.* I look forward to visiting my fathers country once more and seeing the people and their happiness. Bless my people of El Salvador 🇸🇻the great leader Bukele 🙏, and all of Latin America ❤

[@hezekiahwallace2412]

El Salvador is basically Paradise compared to the US right now.

[@fackery8438]

Then go live in El Salvador

[@Fillemexicaine36]

Don't tell him what to do!

[@leonardomartinez7160]

El Presidente Bukele es un ejemplo MUNDIAL, el ayudará a qué el pueblo Salvadoreño se libre de esos malditos... Apoyo total desde México al presidente Bukele

[@FernandoLopez-tx6lr]

Bukele, best living president, should get the Nobel peace prize. Remember kids, if you want peace, prepare for....

[@Neetje42ever]

Si vis pacem, para bellum. That's a Roman saying. And it still holds true today.

[@carlosmoran2735]

40 years of crime, violence, we been through a lot, we will over come we are better than this violence, we are hard working people wirh geeat honor and respect for peace lets help el salvador overcome this violence and crime, poverty and hunger. We got what it takes.

[@thisaintmikel]

I was born in El Salvador 🇸🇻! Im a Salvadoran and American Citizen. Love my two cultures! 🇸🇻🇺🇸

[@chartreusecircle1546]

News Flash: HE DID

[@aljavinramirez9699]

Que viva El Salvador 🇸🇻 saludos desde México 🇲🇽

[@thechubbypuertorican917]

Four years later he is still awesome

[@indicacesar]

LONG LIVE BUKELE GOD PROTECT HIM

[@kimalex8048]

The new development regards to the adoption of Bitcoin is 100% worth it. Just imagine we started this Bitcoin many years ago

[@diegoperoz3761]

It's really a welcome development, I've been into Bitcoin through a minim company for long now and it's been an amazing profits even before the Covid issues

[@mikallopez4015]

@@diegoperoz3761 I'm really interested in this Bitcoin but I will say I'm very slow in learning

[@melissajames2050]

@@mikallopez4015 Bitcoin is very easy with an expert, and it's even more easy because Bitcoin atms is now installed in El Salvador and it's making transactions so fast and easy

[@melissajames2050]

I've been training with the help of Mrs Sarah Kettere

[@melissajames2050]

It's been awesome trading with her

[@felixgarcia4435]

He's definitely doing it. Proud of my president and proud to be salvadorian.a good example of keeping his word and making the changes with action

[@ricardomendoza1581]

just wondering, what has he done since this interview?

[@claycandido4956]

He's actually doing something about their problem. A good thing.

[@KeanuReeves-eh1bk]

Hello 👋🏻 how are you doing,hope you having a wonderful day?

[@billwessels207]

Your idea for the resignation letters is a brilliant strategy! Keep up the out of the box thinking. I am praying for your success right now, Sir!

[@camilofuentespena7348]

He thought it, the told that, he did it. And with +90% of approval.

[@Fillemexicaine36]

Handsome, young, educated, multilingual, articulate, not involved in corruption and other immoral scandals..with common sense! when are we going to have one like this in the United States??

[@itsame8057]

Posting in 2023, apparently Bukele kept his word.

[@WalkingRoscoe]

Novel idea. It's unfortunate that America didn't care that one non-politician kept his word from 2016-2020, when "81 million" chose Biden. Meh. #45 will become #47 soon enough.

[@brewandrew]

Who's here after he made Bitcoin legal tender and actually thinks he can change El Salvador?

[@vst8968]

I’m here because he’s a dictator now 🙃

[@brewandrew]

@@vst8968 what do you mean? is he not being democratic?

[@vst8968]

@@brewandrew not one bit. He went into congress with the military and sat down and said “we all know who’s in charge here,” or something to that effect. He fired all the Supreme Court judges. He’s pretty scary and salvadoreños love him. www.google.com/amp/s/www.worldpoliticsreview.com/amp/articles/29629/as-voters-tire-of-corruption-el-salvador-dictatorship-is-now-an-option

[@brewandrew]

@@vst8968 why do they love him tho? Is he actually doing good stuff? Or is he like a communist or like such

[@SlashDrainGang]

@@vst8968 Sometimes the best way to solve the problem is to terminate its roots. He's still doing good work

[@DerangedLeftWingers]

update he did it

[@nimallanjayabalan]

El Salvador's President does not just think, VICE News. He knows he can turn the country around. And no country, not even the greatest nation in the world could pull that off in a dream like he did in reality.

[@Garcia1900]

I'M COMING FROM 2024 AND I CAN TELL YOU WITH PROOF EL SALVADOR IS THE MOST SECURE COUNTRY I LATIN AMERICA

[@alisha2875]

This is a prime example of how True great leadership can change everything! Between Bitcoin and the eradicating gangs, he is doing wonderful things for the ppl of El Salvador! Kudos to El Salvador and their leader!

[@maanka8907]

I'm following this country progression, and learn from it so i can one day end my country's problem too insha allah 💪 EL Salvador people be strong and stand with your president.

[@poljakov13]

which country you are from ?

[@WalkingRoscoe]

2023: Looks like he has turned out around.

[@Mr_Warfare316]

Keep up the wonderful work Nayib Bukele. We should have more leaders like him around the world.

[@panchogonzales4544]

Who's here after his massive sweep?

[@Sana_a04]

I've recently been reading a lot about El Salvador in the past few days. They have made incredible progress, turning their country from the most dangerous in the world a few years ago to probably the safest country in all of Central America (looking at homicide rates).

[@sgx6743]

You should really do an update or follow up, he has recently been killing it

[@noobshot1]

The mad man actually did it

[@pater7387]

He did it, he deserves respect

[@t0n0k0]

When I last watched this, I was hopeful and he has not disappointed, Bukele is doing well by his Country.

[@junjiito6619]

Yes sir

[@josenajera280]

Think? He already did it! & Critics can kiss where the Sun doesn't Shine!

[@tanvirislam5662]

And boom 💯

[@trustme2001]

2 years later, he, has. God be with him.

[@hannalu3494]

“Thinks”? Is now March 2023 and guess what… HE DID IT!!!!

[@tylerstevens7007]

This actually aged well. Hope that place gets cleaned up and here in the US we appreciate it. We need the same

[@monsG165]

And he did, three years later he did.

[@happymess3219]

😶 black american here. I'm so proud of this dude. there's hope for us decent, humble little folks in this world after all.

[@natharon]

​@@alexparakan because american isnt a race

[@ronalburgos3855]

As a Salvadoran myself I am happy with President Bukele’s initiatives with and for the people. 🇸🇻😎🇸🇻

[@rossroys]

This aged very well he on they ass 🤣💀

[@LifePlayDream]

He is El Salvador Comic Book Hero

[@khalaka1160]

3 years later here we are. Some big changes being made in El Salvador.

[@tsasangsuthupitor635]

President alone cannot change his country but every single citizens to wake up and support him to do good things for people of whole country citizens,

[@chrisohyama6025]

Funny thing he's actually making progress

[@hungryallmylife]

Now he has 6000 gang members arrested in 10 days wow he wasnt lying

[@invisible_d_r]

Who else is here after he jailed more than 20k gangs?

[@Wlld081]

This aged very well

[@claudiabeltran9515]

He's doing a GREAT! Job so far

[@lotterylarry7777]

Yeah I know right lol love what he’s doing with the stupid ganhs

[@digitaldecibles]

I hope this president survives and turns around his county .

[@joell5272]

Look at him now 😎

[@SebopeThapelo]

🌝✌From 🇿🇦🇿🇦South Africa I love this guy, he's smart. In 2021 he announced Bitcoin as legal tender, in 2022 his security cluster arrested most criminals that were terrorising the EL Salvador 🇸🇻 🇸🇻

[@danielabustamante4890]

This headline didn’t age well

[@mr.mensch1557]

aged like unrefrigerated milk, it did 🥛😆

[@junior112795]

This aged like fine wine 🤌🍷

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Guess what? He did. Go Bukele, a man with huevos!

[@jessiearroyo2636]

And he did just that

[@axeldude7051]

My family is from El Salvador, I was born there n them grew up in the U.S. My nana always has hoped for him since the beginning of his presidency. Whenever she visits now, she always tells me how much the country’s changed since then. Very politically aware woman. She’s never felt more safer and prouder of her country.

[@JoseMartinez-jw2dy]

I'm from El salvador and this man is amazing just like Trump

[@davidesparza3637]

Is he really as bad as Trump?

[@glaznflip1501]

And he fuckin did! Viva bukele!

[@changolini]

I wish México had a president like el 🇸🇻

[@JuanCruz-dt9rb]

I truly believe that this man has the capacity, Will and skills to bring his country to a new level of civility and progress.

[@inspiredaction162]

I love this man so much!

[@MPDthegamer]

He’s turned the country around

[@Thatgirlisagun]

HE THINKS ??? He is !!!! 🙌🏻 EL PRESI 🇸🇻🇸🇻🇸🇻

[@AR-uh5hh]

He just arrested 6000 gang members🤯, Salute to him💪🏽

[@jorgeandrade2658]

And He has been able to turn it around so far. We just hope the government of the USA stopped intervening on behalf of criminals.

[@techhunt4922]

I love him for allowing bitcoin as a legal tender in his country

[@OpticalXray]

He has the support of the world 🌎 ❤️ ♥️ 💙 💜 💓 🌎 ❤️ ♥️ 💙 💜 💓

[@steventang289]

The first btc country, weldone president nayib bukele. This country will shine with a government that cares about his people

[@askor9585]

I saw that he arrested 10k criminals in one sweep the other week. We need that in the US, starting with WA D.C. they is more cockroaches in DC