About a month after the Salvadoran Congress investigation of Defense Minister, Admiral René Merino, for the unjustified military intervention in the legislature, last February, the majority of legislators recommended to the Executive the “unavoidable and necessary” dismissal of the high military Chief. For his part, President Nayib Bukele rejected the legislative resolution, since he is not obliged to comply with said recommendation as it is not binding.
With 51 votes, out of a total of 84 deputies, the Legislative Assembly concluded that Admiral Merino evaded the questions and lied in the interpellation on August 21. In addition, the deputies decided to refer the case to the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) for the possible commission of the crime of disobedience by the official.