Bukele Defies Critics, Addresses 'Dictator' Claims in National Address

El Salvador's President Bukele Defies 'Dictator' Label in Sixth Address San Salvador, El Salvador – President Nayib Bukele delivered a defiant speech during his sixth presidential address at the National Theatre, directly addressing international criticism of his leadership and his controversial war on gangs. The address comes amidst growing international concern about Bukele's increasingly authoritarian tendencies. "They call me a dictator," Bukele stated during his speech, "but I don't care. What matters is that the people of El Salvador can finally live in peace." The speech was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The video also shows scenes of Bukele's harsh crackdown on gangs, a key element of his presidency that has drawn both praise and condemnation from human rights organizations and international observers. Critics point to the alleged human rights abuses associated with this campaign. The video's footage provides a visual context to Bukele's words, showcasing the scale of the anti-gang operations. The event highlights the ongoing tension between Bukele's government and the international community regarding human rights and democratic norms in El Salvador. The address serves as a significant moment in El Salvador's political landscape, underscoring the ongoing debate about Bukele's leadership and the future of the country.