What's really happening in El Salvador?

[Judi Lynn]

Sarah Stephens Director of the Center for Democracy in the Americas
Posted: June 27, 2010 01:48 PM
What's really happening in El Salvador?
by Linda Garrett

Like his North American counterpart, Mauricio Funes was elected amidst expectations of change but during his first year has confronted the political reality of governance - juggling demands from an impatient left and a still-ferocious right while attempting to manage the economic and social crises he inherited after 20 years of conservative rule.

Funes and his leftist party the FMLN assumed the mantle of power of a polarized country nearly bankrupt, wrought with poverty, violence, corruption and fragile democratic institutions.

While some on the left believe the president has moved too far right, the powerful business sector withholds investments that could stimulate the economy and create jobs because of their persistent distrust of the left.

Meanwhile, the president is committed to improving the lives of the 60% of Salvadorans who live on the minimum wage of $207.08 per month. He has implemented several very popular programs, including free uniforms, shoes, supplies and a nutrition program for public school students. And he has eliminated the "voluntary fees" for public clinics and hospitals as well as instituted various poverty alleviation programs in the most impoverished communities.

The president and his team effectively secured international support to guarantee financial stability for their five-year term, no minor achievement by a progressive government. And he has established a strategic partnership with the Obama administration, focusing on immigration, security and economic development, while at the same time re- establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba.

More:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-stephens/whats-really-happening-in_b_627066.html

[flamingdem]

1. I still cannot believe that the FMLN prevailed, wow.

I mean the FMLN was the armed group, the FDR was their diplomatic arm if memory serves. It started as the Bloque Popular, made up of unions. (70s and maybe earlier).