El Salvador's controversial President Nayib Bukele has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Spain's media establishment after delivering a blistering attack that branded Spanish journalists as "enemies of democracy." The remarks, which drew immediate comparisons to Donald Trump's frequent assaults on the press, have raised serious concerns about press freedom and democratic norms.
Bukele's Blistering Broadside
During a press conference that quickly turned confrontational, President Bukele launched an extraordinary tirade against Spanish media outlets. "They are not journalists," he declared, "they are enemies of democracy." This inflammatory language echoes rhetoric previously employed by former US President Donald Trump, who frequently labelled critical media as "the enemy of the people."
Spanish Media Fights Back
The response from Spain's press corps was swift and severe. Leading Spanish newspapers, including El País, ABC, and El Mundo, published a rare joint statement condemning Bukele's comments as a "direct attack on freedom of the press and expression." The statement emphasised that such rhetoric "puts the physical safety of journalists at risk" and represents a dangerous erosion of democratic principles.
International Press Freedom Concerns
Media watchdog organisations have expressed alarm at Bukele's escalating rhetoric against journalists. Reporters Without Borders noted that the Salvadoran leader's comments follow a worrying pattern of attempting to discredit and intimidate critical media voices. This incident occurs amidst broader concerns about democratic backsliding in El Salvador, where Bukele has consolidated power and faced accusations of authoritarian tendencies.
Historical Context and Parallels
The confrontation has deeper roots in longstanding tensions between Bukele's administration and international media. Spanish outlets have been particularly critical of his government's human rights record and his controversial mass incarceration policies aimed at combating gang violence. Bukele's latest comments represent a significant escalation in this ongoing feud, moving from criticising specific reports to attacking the entire profession.
As democratic institutions face increasing pressure globally, this confrontation between a populist leader and the press serves as another worrying indicator of the challenges facing independent journalism worldwide.
