El Salvador opens path for its president to stay in power indefinitely. Why critics aren't surprised

1 of 2 | El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly pushed through a constitutional reform overnight eliminating presidential term limits, fueling concerns Friday that it paves the way for President Nayib Bukele to indefinitely stay in power.

By MEGAN JANETSKY and MARCOS ALEMÁN
Updated 5:26 PM CDT, August 1, 2025

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly pushed through a constitutional reform overnight eliminating presidential term limits, fueling concerns on Friday that it paves the way for President Nayib Bukele to indefinitely stay in power.

Watchdogs and critics of the self-described “world’s coolest dictator” said they’ve seen this coming for years, watching Bukele’s administration slowly chip away at democratic institutions, attack opponents and consolidate power in the president’s hands.

Bukele, who regularly posts streams of tongue-in-cheek remarks on social media, remained notably silent Friday. His government didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment.

“It’s not surprising. But that doesn’t mean it’s not severe,” said Claudia Ortiz, one of the country’s few remaining opposition lawmakers. “The implication of this is more concentration of power, more risk of abuse of the rights of Salvadorans ... and the complete dismantling of all democratic checks and balances.”

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