The influence of Nayib Bukele is a growing topic in Latin America. He is often described as pressing into the political space left by Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil. When the security posture in San Salvador tightens and the State of Emergency returns, his leadership style appears to gain followers across the region. The narrative around his approach circulates in both critical and advisory tones.
In Chile, the Interior Minister, Carolina Toha, met with parliamentary officials last Friday to advance the security agenda. The urgency stems from the deaths of three police officers within a month, including an incident involving two Venezuelan immigrants. The government and opposition show willingness to cooperate on several ideas, such as establishing a Ministry of Security and implementing administrative changes to enable deportations of illegal migrants, along with clarifying parole benefits. Throughout these talks, Bukele’s example is frequently referenced. José Antonio Kast, a leading figure on the right, highlighted Bukele as a benchmark. President Gabriel Boric has criticized what he calls an authoritarian drift, warning that the problem is serious and that measures should not erode democratic norms. In a lighthearted moment, Bukele responded with a TikTok video in which a Chilean woman suggested him as a presidential option, though he mispronounced a name in the clip.
Some observers did not anticipate the swift emergence of a new local voice in Chile—Rodolfo Carter, the mayor of a large Santiago district. His nickname, born from his aggressive stance against drug cartels in the city’s poorer neighborhoods, has sparked mixed reactions among residents who have watched gentrification and crime influence daily life.
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has solidified power through a coalition that opposed traditional parties. He navigated parliamentary elections to win a strong legislative majority, presenting a model that others in the region scrutinize for potential adaptation. A prominent Chilean audience member referenced Bukele as a possible example in political discussions.
— José Antonio Kast Rist —
Argentina case
The public profile of Rosario, Argentina, has also risen on the international stage after threats from a drug cartel targeted the city and involved the Messi family. Drug violence in Rosario has recurred across two decades, shaping a security debate. Patricia Bullrich, a right-leaning presidential candidate, has suggested bringing in the military to address the violence, arguing for a hardline response to a problem that appears structural. Javier Milei, an Argentine candidate inspired by nationalist and libertarian ideas, ranks in the upper tier of polls and advocates for looser controls on firearms. Fernando Burlando, a legal figure and candidate for provincial leadership in Buenos Aires, has openly supported a mirror image of the Salvadoran approach. Public statements from Burlando have challenged international norms in a confrontational tone, reflecting a broader regional debate about security strategies.
In the same discourse, discussions around crime, punishment, and state power continue to echo through regional media and political arenas. The memory of earlier conflict periods in neighboring countries feeds into the current debate about how to balance public safety with civil liberties, and how to frame a narrative that can be embraced by diverse political actors and citizens alike.
Inmates in a prison in El Salvador.
Petro vs Bukele
Colombian President Gustavo Petro engaged in a public exchange with Bukele over the model of concentrating power in state institutions. The Salvadoran stance quickly found allies among former presidents known for their decisive approaches, including Alvaro Uribe, a prominent figure in Colombia. Observers noted a surge of interest in Bukele’s approach within regional political commentaries. Some commentators suggested that Bukele’s style could inspire similar strategies in other countries, sparking discussions about the possible transfer of governance tactics across borders. Analysts highlighted the potential influence of such ideas on lawmakers and security agencies in neighboring nations, while cautioning about the risks of concentrating authority without adequate democratic checks.
Since late last year, Peru has seen a shift toward a more conservative governance mix. A public figure in Lima has pushed for harsher security measures and a more assertive state role, calling for a stronger presence of security forces in the fight against crime. Supporters point to a track record in other Latin American cities as a basis for expecting similar outcomes, while critics warn about the fragility of civil liberties and the dangers of centralized control. The broader debate continues as political leaders weigh the balance between restoring order and preserving democratic norms. The dialogue around the national memory institutions and how to manage public narratives persists as a touchstone in many capitals, shaping how future policy is framed and implemented.