SAN SALVADOR – In a move that has sent shockwaves through Latin American politics, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele held an emergency meeting with his entire Executive Branch and the Attorney General, delivering a chilling ultimatum: every official in the room is now under active investigation for bribery and corruption.
The announcement, captured in a video that has since gone viral, shows a stern Bukele addressing his seated ministers and high-ranking aides. In the footage, he requests Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado—the only person present not part of the executive branch—to initiate immediate, comprehensive probes into the very people tasked with running the country.
“I want you to investigate everyone sitting here,” Bukele stated, looking across the room of stunned officials. “I don’t want to be remembered as the president who was surrounded by thieves.”
A “War Against Corruption”
This dramatic gesture marks a transition in Bukele’s rhetoric from his high-profile “War Against Gangs” to a self-proclaimed “War Against Corruption.” * The Target: All ministers, vice-ministers, and senior advisors.
- The Charge: Potential bribery, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment.
- The Mechanism: A mandate for the Attorney General to review assets and contracts without exception.
Strategic Brilliance or Political Theatre?
While supporters of the president have hailed the move as a “masterclass in leadership,” critics and human rights organizations remain skeptical.
Independent journalists from outlets like El Faro have pointed out that Bukele previously dismantled the CICIES (an international anti-corruption commission) when it began investigating his own inner circle. Some analysts suggest this public “shakedown” may be a strategy to consolidate absolute loyalty, ensuring that any official who steps out of line can be immediately prosecuted under the guise of this “blanket” investigation.
Recent Context: The “Bukele Model”
| Metric | Status |
| Approval Rating | Approx. 80-90% (among highest in the world) |
| Gang Violence | Historically low following mass incarcerations |
| Judicial Independence | Heavily criticized by the US and HRW |
| Economic Shift | Aggressive push for Bitcoin and foreign investment |
Despite international concerns regarding civil liberties and the “state of exception,” Bukele’s popularity remains ironclad at home. By turning his sights on his own cabinet, he is doubling down on his “outsider” persona—positioning himself as the only person capable of cleaning up a system he claims has been rotten for decades.
