State of exception

El Salvador marked 42 months under a State of Emergency this December. Although the government reports a near-zero homicide rate and celebrates the complete dismantling of gangs, the measure has become permanent.

By mid-2025, the official figures estimated more than 85,000 arrests, turning it into the country with the highest incarceration rate in the world.

Bukele’s second term

2025 was the first year of Nayib Bukele’s second term. Relying on a Legislative Assembly with an absolute majority (54 out of 60 deputies), Bukele deepened state reforms.

The limited political opposition remained fragmented and had minimal impact, while debates took place regarding constitutional reforms and changes to the length of presidential terms.

Trump and El Salvador

The relationship with the United States took a turn with the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, with which El Salvador positioned itself as a strategic ally in the region.

However, the US administration announced the end of temporary protections, putting more than 190,000 Salvadorans at risk of deportation.

The CECOT

The UN and other international human rights organizations have published reports on the conditions at CECOT (Terrorism Confinement Center).

Several journalistic investigations have revealed forced disappearances and deaths in state custody. Recently, the IACHR granted precautionary measures to four Salvadorans deported from EEUU and identified in Salvadoran prisons.

Human rights organizations close their operations

Several human rights organizations closed operations in the country: Cristosal, Association of Journalists (APES), Foundation for Studies on the Application of Law (FESPAD), and Heinrich Böll.

The approval of the Foreign Agents Act (LAEX), which places a 30% tax on foreign funds, and the difficulty in the processes for registering new non-governmental organizations have created a climate of tension and persecution for dissenting voices.

Arrest of activists and human rights defenders

The arrest of activists and human rights defenders Fidel Zavala, Alejandro Henríquez, José Ángel Pérez, Ruth López, and Enrique Anaya has been categorized as politically motivated arrests.

Although Alejandro Henríquez and José Ángel Pérez have been free since December 17, their release required them to plead guilty to crimes that the judicial system failed to prove. Zavala, López, and Anaya remain in prison.

National economy

Despite the stability in security, the country’s economy remains the main challenge; in 2025, public debt exceeded 80% of GDP.

The push for Bitcoin continued with the launch of data mining projects powered by volcanic energy, but the population still does not use the cryptocurrency.

Transparency and access to public information

Access to public information remained restricted during 2025. The Institute for Access to Public Information (IAIP) continued to be criticized for withholding data on general spending on public works and security.

On the other hand, laws allowing direct purchases without bidding remained in effect, which generated questions about transparency from Salvadoran academia and the independent press.