El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has boldly declared himself the most popular world leader, citing an approval rating nearing 90%. This claim, however, is shrouded in a veil of ambiguity, as the source of this data remains elusive.
Bukele’s declaration stems from a tweet by the account ‘World of Statistics,’ which he referenced, naming him above Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and President Joe Biden. While the tweet itself fueled his claim, the underlying data source was not immediately clear, leaving room for questions about its validity.
In contrast, Morning Consult, a renowned international decision intelligence firm, still places Modi at the top of the popularity rankings based on data collected between September 25th and October 1st. This discrepancy underscores the need for a more transparent and verifiable source for Bukele’s claimed approval rating.
Despite this controversy, Bukele’s leadership has drawn praise from prominent figures. Tech mogul Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has publicly commended Bukele, calling him a “very smart guy” at a recent rally. Musk has also acknowledged the Bukele administration’s commitment to freedom of speech.
However, Bukele’s assertions about guaranteeing free speech remain debatable. El Salvador’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index 2024 reflects a concerning decline, placing the country at 133rd out of 180 countries, plummeting 18 spots from the previous year. This drop highlights concerns about press freedom under Bukele’s administration.
Further complicating the narrative surrounding Bukele’s leadership are accusations of widespread detentions under his anti-gang campaign. This raises questions about the balance between security and human rights under his leadership.
In conclusion, while Bukele has garnered international attention for his embrace of Bitcoin and bold pronouncements, his claim of being the most popular world leader is based on data that lacks transparency and contradicts other sources. It’s crucial to approach such claims with a critical eye, considering the complex context of his leadership and the controversies surrounding his policies.
