Costa Rica Honors El Salvador’s Bukele Amid Controversy
Costa Rica on Monday bestowed its highest diplomatic honor, the “Order of Juan Mora Fernandez,” uponEl Salvador President Nayib Bukele, recognizing his success in reducing violence during a two-year campaign against powerful street gangs, The Associated Press reports.
President Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica lauded Bukele’s efforts, stating that his own country is struggling with historically high homicide rates. However, the recognition sparked controversy in Costa Rica, known for its stable democracy. Bukele’s success has been achieved, in part, by suspending several constitutional rights, including due process, granting security forces and prosecutors enhanced powers to pursue suspects.
Despite this, Bukele won an unprecedented second term earlier this year and enjoys sky-high approval ratings. Unlike Bukele, Chaves does not hold a majority in congress and has not attempted to remake Costa Rican courts to remove opposition. Chaves has hinted at potentially leaving the presidency to run for congress and later seeking re-election.
Costa Rica, renowned for its ecotourism, environmental conservation, and relative peace, has seen a surge in violence in recent years, largely attributed to drug trafficking. The country has become a key transit point for cocaine exports to Europe and the United States. Last year, Costa Rica witnessed a record 906 homicides, compared to 654 in 2022. This year’s figures are only slightly lower, according to the government.
On Tuesday, the two leaders are scheduled to visit one of Costa Rica’s largest prisons. Chaves, a conservative economist, ran an outsider’s campaign in 2022 despite having served as finance minister under outgoing President Carlos Alvarado. He enjoys high approval ratings but covets the legislative majority enjoyed by Bukele.
Bukele has addressed criticism of his methods, arguing that the right to life must be prioritized in tackling violence before other rights can be guaranteed.
