Bukele Hits 91.9% Approval: Security Triumphs Over Bitcoin Skepticism in El Salvador
President Nayib Bukele now has a 91.9% approval rating, according to a recent nationwide survey by La Prensa Gráfica...
Quick overview
- President Nayib Bukele enjoys a 91.9% approval rating, primarily due to improvements in national security rather than his Bitcoin policy.
- A recent survey shows that 62.8% of citizens strongly approve of Bukele's leadership, with crime rates significantly declining under his 'Iron Fist' strategy.
- Despite Bukele's enthusiasm for Bitcoin, only 2.2% of respondents view the cryptocurrency policy as a failure, indicating low daily adoption among citizens.
- The government is now prioritizing the $1.4 billion IMF loan and maintaining public safety while continuing to buy one Bitcoin each day.
President Nayib Bukele now has a 91.9% approval rating, according to a recent nationwide survey by La Prensa Gráfica. This strong support comes mainly from major improvements in national security, not from the country’s well-known and sometimes controversial Bitcoin policy.
A Mandate Defined by Safety, Not Satoshi
El Salvador became the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, but most citizens care more about safety than cryptocurrency. In the survey of 1,200 people, 62.8% strongly approve of Bukele’s leadership, while only 1.8% strongly disapprove. Bukele even joked about this small opposition on social media.
Key Survey Data Points:
- Total Approval:9%
- Strong Approval:8%
- Strong Disapproval:8%
- Bitcoin as “Biggest Failure”: Only 2.2% (despite low usage)
The “Iron Fist” Strategy: Crime Rates Plummet
Bukele’s popularity is mainly due to his tough approach to gang violence. Since 2019, his government has changed El Salvador’s reputation from one of the world’s most dangerous countries to a place with much more public order. A key part of this effort is the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a large prison for thousands of suspected gang members.
For most Salvadorans, these changes are easy to see:
🚨URGENTE – Bukele atinge aprovação de 91.9% da população pic.twitter.com/SknTVTRkub
— SPACE LIBERDADE (@NewsLiberdade) February 5, 2026
- Homicide Rates: Official data reveals a sharp, sustained decline to historic lows.
- Public Mobility: Residents report a return to daily activities in neighborhoods once controlled by cartels.
- Institutional Presence: An expanded military and police footprint has increased perceived security.
The Bitcoin Paradox: Stacking Sats Amidst Stalled Adoption
Even though the President is enthusiastic about cryptocurrency, the survey shows that Bitcoin has little effect on his popularity. Only 2.2% of people called the Bitcoin policy a failure, mostly because it has not become part of daily life for most citizens.
“Adoption fell short of expectations,” Bukele conceded in a 2024 interview with TIME, noting the gap between global marketing and local utility.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has strongly criticized the Bitcoin policy, saying it brings financial risks. However, the government now seems to be changing direction:
- IMF $1.4 Billion Loan: Secured in late 2024, the deal includes provisions to scale back crypto initiatives.
- Chivo Wallet: Plans are in motion to potentially shut down or sell the state-run wallet following technical and fraud complaints.
- GDP Projections: The IMF projects a 2.5% real GDP growth for 2026, signaling a stabilization of the economy as it moves toward traditional fiscal discipline.
What’s Next for El Salvador?
The government is still buying one Bitcoin each day, but lawmakers are now focusing on keeping the $1.4 billion IMF deal and making sure the country stays safe. As long as people feel secure, most are willing to ignore the ups and downs of the President’s digital policies.
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