The president combines forceful measures with a strong faith in prayer. Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer.
The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, stated in a recent interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson that his most effective weapon in the fight against the gangs that devastated his country was “prayer.”
Bukele, who recently took office for his second term, maintains that spirituality was key to transforming El Salvador from a crime capital to one of the safest countries in the Western Hemisphere.
During the interview, Bukele detailed the challenges he faced in trying to dismantle the gangs, which at the time had approximately 70,000 members in El Salvador.
He described the situation prior to his administration as a society controlled by crime, where daily life was marked by fear and violence.
The president attributes the change to a series of strategic measures, combined with prayer and the search for divine wisdom.
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Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
Gang Fighting Strategy
Since taking power four years ago, Bukele has implemented a phased plan to combat the notorious MS-13 gang.
This approach included a strong military presence and decisive actions that, initially, provoked a violent reaction from the gangs, resulting in the deaths of 87 people in just three days.
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Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
Bukele recounted a critical moment during this crisis, when he was in his office in the early hours of the morning, contemplating the next steps to take.
Aware of the risk that the 6 million Salvadorans were running, he decided to resort to prayer, seeking wisdom to face the situation.
According to the president, this spiritual search was fundamental to strengthen his determination and guide his decisions in the fight against gang violence.
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Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
Peace and Security: Foundations of Progress
In the interview, Bukele emphasized that to achieve other national objectives, it was first necessary to establish peace.
“To achieve any other goal, you need peace,” he declared. “And when I say peace, I include wars, invasions, crimes. You need to have peace to move freely and have your basic rights respected.”
The president also mentioned that the security transformation in El Salvador has been seen as a “miracle” by many.
Although his administration has faced criticism for some of his measures, such as entering Congress with armed soldiers and implementing an emergency regime, Bukele maintains that these steps were necessary to restore order and security in the country.
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Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
Controversies and Achievements
Bukele, about to turn 43 years old and a businessman by profession, has been a polarizing figure both nationally and internationally.
During his first term, his administration was criticized for various actions, including the adoption of bitcoin as legal tender.
However, his supporters argue that these decisions have been an integral part of his strategy to modernize and stabilize the country.
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Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
The emergency regime it implemented to combat gangs allowed the government to make mass arrests and hold suspects without formal charges for long periods.
This measure, although effective in reducing violence, has been criticized by human rights organizations and opposition sectors who see it as a threat to civil liberties.
Despite criticism, Bukele continues to enjoy a high level of popular support. His re-election with more than 85% of the vote reflects approval of his tough-on-crime approach and his ability to keep the streets safe.
Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
Security, according to Bukele, is the basis on which other policies and programs can be built to improve the quality of life of Salvadorans.
Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
Bukele said that he prayed “for wisdom” to win the war he had waged against the Mara Salvatrucha.
Nayib Bukele has taken a multifaceted approach in his fight against gangs in El Salvador, combining forceful measures with a strong faith in prayer.
Although his administration has been controversial, his commitment to the security and well-being of his country has resonated deeply with many citizens, cementing his position as one of the region’s most influential leaders.
You can watch the full interview below:
President Nayib Bukele saved El Salvador. He may have the blueprint for saving the world. pic.twitter.com/92etFh7sSI
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) June 6, 2024
R. Nayib Bukele Attributes Success Against Gangs to Prayer
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