El Salvador Congress Approves Unlimited Presidential Reelection
BloombergJUL 30
El Salvador Abolishes Presidential Term Limits
Above: Supporters at the National Theatre in the Historic Center on June 1, 2025, in San Salvador. Image copyright: Alex Peña/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
These reforms strengthen democracy by letting voters decide who should lead the country. Extending presidential terms to six years creates stability for long-term development projects and will reduce election costs by $50 million. The changes give presidents the same reelection rights that mayors and lawmakers already enjoy.
Government-critical narrative
This constitutional overhaul marks the death of democracy in El Salvador by concentrating unlimited power in one person. The rushed process — pushed through without public debate — follows the well-traveled path of autocrats who use popularity to dismantle democratic institutions. These changes eliminate crucial checks on presidential power.