President Nayib Bukele addressed Salvadorans in a national radio and television broadcast, accompanied by his cabinet, to address three important issues.
- The first announcement dealt with the arrival of a rainy storm in El Salvador, expected to hit starting this Saturday and Sunday.
- The second was a red alert for dengue fever, affecting the entire continent with over 4,000 deaths in the Americas.
- The third message focused on the prices of basic food products.
Regarding the price of food, the president issued a strong plea to producers, merchants, retailers, and everyone involved in the distribution of essential goods: “Stop abusing,” he declared, adding that he expects prices to return to normal starting tomorrow, Saturday, July 6. “I expect lower prices tomorrow,” he said..
“Stop taking advantage of the Salvadoran people, or you will face the consequences,” he warned.
BUDGET FOR DEPUTIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Bukele also addressed a news report released on Friday that each deputy would receive $14,000 per month for their operations. He labeled the report, published by La Prensa Gráfica, as “biased” as the Legislative Assembly had reduced its budget by $12.5 million for this period, in addition to saving another $8.5 million by reducing the number of deputies from 84 to 60.
The president said he had spoken with the Assembly president, Deputy Ernesto Castro, to initiate a third budget cut. The new budget will allocate $11,000 per month for each legislator, resulting in an additional savings of $4.5 million by reducing the amount deputies can allocate to staff. This money will be used for scholarships.
THE CASE OF THE ONLY VAMOS DEPUTY WHO WOULD RECEIVE $20 THOUSAND
On the same topic, the president referred to Claudia Ortiz, the only member of the Vamos party in the Assembly, who initially was to receive $20,000 a month due to requesting additional staff. He clarified that Ortiz will now receive $11,000, like the rest of the parliamentarians.
President Bukele Addresses Salvadorans: Storm Warnings, Dengue Alert, and Price Controls
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador addressed the nation on national radio and television, accompanied by his cabinet, to discuss three critical issues impacting the lives of Salvadorans.
Incoming Storm and Dengue Alert
The president issued a warning regarding an impending rainy storm expected to hit Salvadoran soil starting on Saturday and Sunday. He emphasized the importance of preparedness and urged citizens to take necessary precautions.
In addition to the storm warning, Bukele highlighted the alarming surge of dengue fever across the continent. The Americas are facing a severe dengue outbreak with over 4,000 deaths reported. He stressed the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to combat this public health crisis.
Price Controls and a Call for Fairness
The president’s third message focused on the pressing issue of rising prices of basic basket products. Bukele expressed strong disapproval of price gouging and issued a direct call to producers, merchants, retailers, and all parties involved in the distribution chain:
“Stop abusing the Salvadoran people.”
He announced his expectation that prices would return to normal starting on Saturday, July 6. “I expect lower prices tomorrow,” he declared, emphasizing his firm stance once morest unfair pricing practices. He concluded with a stern warning, stating:
“Stop abusing the Salvadoran people or you will face the consequences.”
Legislative Assembly Budget Cuts
Shifting gears, Bukele addressed a recent news report published by La Prensa Gráfica claiming that each deputy in the Legislative Assembly would receive $14,000 per month for operational expenses. He refuted the report as “biased,” highlighting the significant budget cuts implemented by the Assembly.
Bukele revealed that the Assembly had reduced its budget by $12.5 million for this period. Further reductions of $8.5 million were also achieved by decreasing the number of deputies from 84 to 60.
He shared that he had spoken with Assembly President Ernesto Castro to further reduce the budget, resulting in a monthly allowance of $11,000 per legislator. This additional $4.5 million in savings will be allocated towards scholarships, as stated by the president.
Case of Claudia Ortiz
Finally, Bukele addressed the unique case of Claudia Ortiz, the sole Vamos deputy who had requested additional staff and would have received $20,000 per month. Bukele clarified that Ortiz will receive the standard $11,000 allowance, aligning her compensation with the rest of the parliamentarians.
Bukele’s address addressed several critical issues impacting Salvadorans. He focused on public safety with the storm warning, public health with the dengue alert, and economic hardship with the price controls. Additionally, the president addressed the issue of budget transparency and accountability within the government. His decisive tone and direct messages signal his commitment to addressing these challenges.
