30th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Opening Remarks/ The Salvadoran Security Model as a Regional Reference
His Excellency Ernesto Castro opened his remarks by welcoming international delegations, dignitaries, and members of the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum. He reflected on El Salvador’s past, recalling decades of violence, political instability, and the profound social impact of gangs, extortion, and insecurity that shaped daily life for Salvadorans.
He described the country’s turning point as an organic movement led by citizens demanding change, which culminated in the rise of President Nayib Bukele and the political project
“Nuevas Ideas”. Despite systemic resistance and institutional obstacles, this movement achieved a historic electoral mandate in 2021, granting the new administration and legislature the ability to implement long-awaited reforms.
President Castro explained how the government advanced the Territorial Control Plan, strengthened security institutions, and enacted extensive legislative changes to confront gang violence. These measures included increased penalties for serious crimes, streamlined judicial processes, modernization of legal frameworks, and expanded resources for police and the armed forces. He emphasized the pivotal moment of March 2022, when a surge in gang violence prompted the Legislative Assembly to approve the state of exception, enabling decisive action to dismantle criminal structures.
He reported that these efforts have resulted in the arrest of approximately 90,000 gang members and an unprecedented reduction in homicides, with numerous consecutive days without a single murder. Castro underscored both the tangible and intangible outcomes of this transformation—safer communities, restored public trust, and the collective sense of national relief after decades of fear.
Looking forward, he outlined the government’s focus on rebuilding education and health systems, expanding economic opportunities, attracting international investment, and strengthening social development programs, including early childhood initiatives. He highlighted growing tourism and renewed international confidence in El Salvador’s stability.
His Excellency concluded by expressing gratitude to visiting delegates, affirming that the Salvadoran people are united in the country’s ongoing transformation, and reaffirming their commitment to continue supporting their president and the nation’s renewal.
