After 20 years of conservative rule, El Salvador has finally elected a leftist president on March 15th. Mauricio Funes is a former talk show host and represents the more left-leaning FMLN party. The opposing ARENA party has made many connections between Funes and President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. In fact, there are widespread fears that electing Funes would turn El Salvador towards socialism and against the United States.
Ideology That Leans Towards Money
Although in general, another leftist government in Latin America does not bode well for the United States, El Salvador’s business interests allow the continuation of friendly ties. Over 18% of El Salvador’s economy relies on remittances from the US. That is money sent back from Salvadorian workers here to their families in El Salvador. Despite the fact that many of the FMLN guerrillas are trained in Cuba, El Salvador also enjoys free trade agreements with the United States. Because of these benefits, El Salvador contributed troops to fight the war in Iraq. Although Mr. Funes leans left, business interest will ensure that his policies lean towards the United States. Companies that are afraid a leftist government could be unfriendly towards business have nothing to fear and can continue to invest in El Salvador.
Mauricio Funes
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