Ciudad de México, 22 de marzo de 2025. A few days ago, President Claudia Sheinbaum made headlines by responding directly to remarks made by her Salvadoran counterpart, Nayib Bukele, regarding the security strategies in their respective countries. During a morning press briefing, Sheinbaum asserted the need for respect for Mexico while also recognizing Bukele’s standing as a democratically elected leader. "He was elected by his people, but at the same time, we ask for respect for Mexico. Respect, always respect. That is the characteristic of diplomacy," she emphasized.
The exchange unfolded after Bukele posted on X, a social media platform, drawing a comparison between the security challenges faced by Mexico and those of El Salvador. He highlighted a map showcasing the sizes of the two countries and stressed that the problems of insecurity in Mexico and El Salvador are not comparable. Bukele stated, "I have seen many posts like this, and honestly, I don't understand the obsession with El Salvador. But, in any case, 28 of the 32 states of Mexico have a population equal to or less than that of El Salvador." His remarks raised eyebrows as he questioned the effectiveness of Mexico's ability to tackle security challenges.
In his post, Bukele directly challenged the narrative surrounding El Salvador’s security metrics, which some critics say suggest the country’s smaller size provides an easier path to success in combating crime. He bluntly asked, "Why, then, can they not resolve the issue of security in a single state with fewer inhabitants than El Salvador, having the resources of a country with 130 million inhabitants?" His proposition called for Mexican authorities to implement a more systematic approach, encouraging them to tackle security issues state by state.
These comments ignited a debate about the differences in strategies between the two leaders. Since his inauguration in 2019, Bukele has adopted a policy of heavy-handed measures to combat gangs, achieving significant reductions in homicide rates. Estimates indicate that El Salvador, which was once dubbed the most violent country in the world, ended 2024 with a homicide rate of just 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. This figure starkly contrasts with the more than 2,390 murders reported in 2019. Bukele attributed this decline to the drastic and controversial policies employed by his administration, including mass arrests and a state of emergency that has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations.
Meanwhile, Sheinbaum, while acknowledging Bukele's election by the Salvadoran public, opted to not delve into a debate regarding the efficacy of each nation’s security approach. "We could have a full discussion about how they are addressing their issues; however, I will not engage in a disagreement with Bukele. We respect their approach but also require respect for our own initiatives and challenges," she remarked.
During this press conference, which occurred on March 21, 2025, Sheinbaum reiterated her commitment to Mexico and its people, addressing the broader implications of Bukele's comments on social media. She highlighted that while both countries face serious challenges concerning violence and security, each has developed its unique strategies suitable to their respective circumstances.
As the diplomatic exchange moves forward, the effects of Bukele’s rhetoric may be felt in various ways. Observers note that accountability and transparency in combatting crime are paramount, regardless of government strategy. The challenges of drug trafficking, gang violence, and organized crime remain critical issues not only for Mexico and El Salvador but for the entire region.
In his concluding remarks on social media, Bukele continued pressing the necessity for Mexican authorities to adopt a state-by-state resolution to their security issues. He insisted that it only makes sense to handle smaller regions first before progressing onto broader territories historically plagued by violence.
With both nations having unique but pressing security issues, the dialogue between Sheinbaum and Bukele highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding in regional diplomacy. Each leader’s approach to crime will likely remain under scrutiny as the conditions on the ground evolve.
This ongoing situation emphasizes the complexities involved in managing national security in a global context, where the metrics of success differ drastically based on the specific challenges faced by different countries. The collaboration—or lack thereof—between Mexico and El Salvador could play a critical role in shaping future attempts to achieve stability and peace within Central America.
