In a decisive move to bolster governmental transparency and accountability, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly approved sweeping anti-corruption measures on February 7, 2025.
Spearheaded by President Nayib Bukele’s proposal, the new Anti-Corruption Act, along with a series of reforms to the Penal Code, is set to impose far harsher penalties on public officials involved in misusing state funds.
In context: In June 2023, Bukele announced the fight against corruption at the Legislative Assembly.
Key Measures of the New Legislation
The landmark law introduces several robust mechanisms to combat corruption:
- Mandatory Asset Declarations: All public employees will now be required to submit sworn statements detailing their assets and annual income, ensuring greater financial transparency.
- Creation of a National Anti-Corruption System: Known as the National Integrated Anti-Corruption System (SINAC), this framework brings together 12 key public institutions—including the Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Justice and Public Security, National Civil Police, Ministry of Finance, and the Financial Supervisory Authority—to coordinate efforts against corruption.
- Enhanced Investigation Protocols: The law establishes a direct link between the Auditor’s Office and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, enabling swift investigations when corruption is suspected.
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Stricter Penal Code Reforms
In addition to the new Anti-Corruption Act, a comprehensive reform of the Penal Code has been approved to ensure that public officials who commit corruption face significant jail time. Notably:
- For cases of embezzlement (misappropriation of public funds), those convicted could receive prison sentences ranging from six to nine years when the amount involved is up to $10,000.
- For larger sums—between $10,000 and $100,000—the penalties will be even more severe, with sentences extending from 12 to 15 years.
A Unanimous Stand Against Corruption
The legislation, which passed with overwhelming support from 59 lawmakers from parties including Nuevas Ideas, PCN, PDC, and ARENA, underscores a national consensus on the urgent need to address corruption.
Critics have long argued that corruption not only drains public resources but also undermines social stability and public trust. Proponents of the new laws emphasize that strong punitive measures are essential to dismantle networks of corruption and restore confidence in public institutions.
Extra fact: In June 2023, when Nayib Bukele announced the war against corruption, he also announced that a prison would be built for corrupt individuals, although he did not mention any dates—he only said that one would be built.
The construction of the prison has not yet started. While the reasons are unclear, it seems that—given the resources available to the Salvadoran state and the necessary funding—other projects may currently be taking priority over the prison.
Looking Ahead
This comprehensive legal overhaul marks a turning point in El Salvador’s fight against corruption. By tightening regulations and significantly increasing the penalties for corruption-related crimes, the government aims to deter among public officials and ensure that public resources are used in the best interest of the nation.
Published on February 7, 2025, this initiative is expected to set a new standard for accountability and transparency, signaling a resolute commitment by El Salvador to combat corruption at every level of government.
