El Salvador Set to Crack Down on Corruption with Stricter Penalties and New Charges. In a determined effort to combat corruption at all levels of government, El Salvador is set to introduce significant reforms to its penal code.
The changes, recently approved by the Legislative Assembly’s National Security and Justice Committee, signal a robust shift in the country’s approach to curbing corruption among public officials and associated private actors.
Almost eight months ago, we published the article “Bukele’s Anti-Corruption Efforts: Examining the First Year’s Impact” in which we discussed some results from the first year since Bukele openly stated that he would fight against corruption.
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A New Legal Framework Against Corruption
Under the new reforms, both the corruptor and the corrupted will be subject to strict penalties, with sentences reaching up to 20 years in prison. The updated penal code not only increases the maximum punishment but also:
- Eliminates Substitute Measures: Offenders will no longer have the option of alternative sanctions; incarceration is set to become the standard.
- Establishes a Minimum Sentence: All corruption-related crimes are now classified as “serious” offenses, ensuring that sentences will not be less than three years in prison.
- Introduces New Criminal Offenses: The legal framework now includes newly defined corruption-related crimes, aiming to close loopholes and provide clearer definitions for acts of illicit enrichment and other unethical behaviors.
- Streamlines Prosecution: For instance, the crime of illicit enrichment can now be prosecuted without needing a prior decision from the Supreme Court of Justice’s full bench, speeding up legal proceedings.
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Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado emphasized that “in El Salvador, both the corrupt and the one who facilitates corruption will be prosecuted equally.” He reiterated that these reforms are a necessary step in fighting a flagrant menace that has long undermined public trust and state integrity.
Rodolfo Delgado has worked at the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic for many years. It was during Nayib Bukele’s first administration that he became the Attorney General of the Republic for the first time (starting on January 6, 2022), and he continues to hold that position to this day. He has accompanied Bukele in various important aspects of his government (referring to Bukele’s government).
Alignment with International Standards
The legislative changes are said to be in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Office against Corruption and other international norms. By modernizing its legal system, El Salvador aims to not only deter corrupt practices but also to restore confidence in public institutions.
Citizen Involvement in the Fight Against Corruption
Alongside these legal reforms, initiatives like the official website PodesDecirlo.com are empowering citizens to participate in the fight against corruption.
Managed by the Government Ethics Tribunal, the site allows Salvadorans to anonymously report unethical conduct by government employees. Examples of reportable offenses include:
- Receiving a salary while absent from work (the infamous “ghost positions”)
- Demanding bribes to expedite administrative procedures or issue documents
- Redirecting patients from public healthcare to private clinics
- Misusing public resources for personal gain
- Abusing authority, such as when police solicit bribes to overlook traffic violations
This digital tool reinforces the government’s message: ethical behavior is non-negotiable, and both the state and its citizens must work together to ensure transparency and accountability.
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A Step Towards a Cleaner Future
The reforms come at a time when El Salvador is striving to enhance its international image by taking decisive action against corruption.
This move is part of a broader trend—similar to initiatives in other parts of the world, including measures once touted by President Nayib Bukele to model aspects of Singapore’s governance. Tougher penalties and clear legal definitions are expected to deter corrupt practices and signal that the country is serious about reform.
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As El Salvador embarks on this new chapter, the commitment to transparency and ethical governance may well become the cornerstone of its future. With stronger laws and active citizen participation, the country sets an ambitious agenda to eradicate corruption and build a more just society.
Source: https://diarioelsalvador.com/habra-mayores-penas-y-nuevos-delitos-por-corrupcion/620595/