We’ve compiled some of the most significant news stories in El Salvador from the past week. Please share your thoughts in the comments if you want us to continue providing weekly updates. Stay informed!
The country’s economic growth in 2023 has been the highest in the last 30 years, says BCR
According to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), El Salvador’s economy experienced remarkable growth in 2023, reaching levels not seen in the past three decades.
The Government of El Salvador has unveiled significant economic achievements, with the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) reporting an outstanding take-off in 2023. Notably, this growth surpasses the average of the past three decades.
Key Points:
- Economic Growth: According to official records, El Salvador’s economic growth for 2023 reached 3.5%—a notable achievement.
- Exceeding the Average: This growth exceeded the 30-year average of 2.1%.
- Diverse Sectors: Among the 19 activities contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 17 experienced growth. Noteworthy sectors include:
- Construction (17.9%)
- Electricity (14.6%)
- Professional and Technical Services (11.1%)
- Leisure Services (10.2%)
- Financial Services (7.5%)
- Security and Investment: El Salvador’s improved security situation is pivotal to economic growth. Gangs that once extorted businesses are now behind bars. Additionally, transnational companies reinvest their profits within the country rather than repatriating them.
- Regional Comparison: El Salvador’s economic growth aligns with its neighbors:
- Guatemala: 3.5%
- Honduras: 3.6%
- Costa Rica: 5.1%
- El Salvador, once lagging, now stands on par with Guatemala.
El Salvador’s upward trajectory signals a promising future. 📈🌟
El Salvador’s Commitment to Road Maintenance Ahead of Rainy Season
The Government of El Salvador dedicates itself to ensuring the country’s roads remain in optimal condition. They have implemented a comprehensive maintenance and response plan for the upcoming rainy season to achieve this.
Key Points:
- National Mitigation Plan: Under this plan, the Road Conservation Fund (Fovial) is undertaking various works across the entire national territory.
- Infrastructure Strengthening: These efforts aim to strengthen infrastructure and reduce risks associated with heavy rains, safeguarding the lives and property of Salvadorans.
- Proactive Measures: Two days ago, Fovial initiated drain cleaning along roads and their sides to prepare for the first rains. Adequate rainwater evacuation will minimize flooding risks for motorists and communities.
- Comprehensive Strategy: These actions are part of a coordinated strategy to ensure an effective and timely response to rain-related emergencies.
- Dedicated Teams: Over 60 teams work daily on road cleaning and prevention tasks.
- Prioritizing Vulnerable Areas: Fovial prioritizes areas susceptible to flooding, emphasizing preventive monitoring on a national scale.
El Salvador is proactively safeguarding its road network for the well-being of its citizens. 🛣️🌧️
ARENA Deputies Advocate for a Revitalized Political Party
Marcela Villatoro and Francisco Lira, re-elected deputies representing ARENA in the Legislative Assembly, emphasize rebuilding their tricolor party. Their vision for this process extends beyond elected officials to include leaders who may have been overlooked in various territories. Both deputies secured seats in the recent San Salvador and La Libertad legislative elections. In a recent interview on 105.3 FM radio with Diana Verónica & Tony, they discussed the party’s future.
Key Points:
- Territorial Leadership: Notable leaders include Milagro Navas in La Libertad Este, Marcela Villatoro in San Salvador, and Francisco Lira in La Libertad.
- Inclusive Refoundation: The party must create space for new leadership, extending beyond the existing trio. Leaders from cantons and hamlets deserve recognition.
- Challenges Faced: Internal decisions during the recent election posed challenges to territorial work.
- Beyond Colors and Marches: The party’s foundation should transcend symbolism. A shift in internal politics is essential.
- Proactive Approach: Villatoro emphasizes the need for a more proactive political strategy within the party.
- Call for Change: Villatoro has publicly called for the resignation of ARENA’s president, Carlos García.
ARENA’s transformation aims to invigorate its role in El Salvador’s political landscape.
ARENA Faces Electoral Challenges: A Path Forward
The right-wing party, ARENA, encountered its most significant electoral setback since its inception in 1981 during the February and March elections. Despite their intention to regain executive power, they secured only two deputies in the Legislative Assembly, succeeded in a municipality, and secured two seats in the Central American Parliament.
Looking ahead:
- The new leadership must prepare the party for participation in the 2027 municipal and legislative elections and the 2029 presidential elections.
- ARENA’s president, Carlos García, publicly acknowledges they cannot face these elections in isolation. He has already advocated for coalitions and alliances across ideological lines.
Meanwhile:
- Deputies Villatoro and Lira plan to meet with Coena next week to revisit the points discussed before the Easter break.
- Lira emphasizes addressing critical issues within ARENA’s leadership, streamlining the path for necessary changes.
- The tricolor party must adapt to the country’s evolving political landscape.
ARENA’s resilience lies in its ability to navigate these challenges and evolve.
Our information sources are from newspapers in El Salvador, including La Pagina El Salvador News and Diario News, El Salvador.