Cuban reggaeton artist Yomil Hidalgo recently took to social media to express his admiration for El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele. He noted that many Cubans feel envious of the progress being made under Bukele's leadership. Commenting on an Instagram post by the Salvadoran leader, Yomil expressed a desire for Cuba to have a president like Bukele, highlighting the significant public works El Salvador has achieved despite limited resources, which he views as exemplary.
"Right now, Cubans envy El Salvador, a nation that, after much sadness, now smiles and shows the world that great things can be accomplished for its people with limited means," Yomil wrote. In his message, the singer clarified that his admiration for Bukele transcends political parties and ideologies, focusing instead on genuine love for the country and the lasting legacy a leader can create.
According to Yomil, Bukele has left a significant mark on El Salvador by transforming it into a safer and more prosperous nation. This anti-communist stance is not new for Yomil, who has consistently criticized the censorship and repression in Cuba, labeling the system as a dictatorship and expressing his desire for real change for his fellow citizens.
El Salvador's Remarkable Security Transformation
For the first time, El Salvador has been ranked among the world's safest countries, according to the Global Security Report released by Gallup in September 2024. As reported by Voz de América, 88% of Salvadorans acknowledge this radical change, which comes after years of being among the nations with the highest homicide rates globally. The report highlights that this impressive shift in security is largely attributed to the policies enacted by President Nayib Bukele, especially his efforts against gang violence.
Nevertheless, respondents have pointed out that this success carries the risk of evolving into a police state model, with approximately 2% of the population incarcerated, raising concerns about human rights during the process.
Understanding El Salvador's Security Boost
What has contributed to El Salvador becoming one of the world's safest countries?
The change in El Salvador's safety status is primarily due to President Bukele's policies, especially his measures against gang violence, which have drastically reduced crime rates.
Why do some people fear El Salvador might become a police state?
The concern arises from the high incarceration rates, with about 2% of the population imprisoned, potentially leading to human rights issues.