The Salvadoran government will allocate around $866 million in security and defense for next year. The budget will be slightly larger than this year’s ($838 million); In other words, 2024 implies an increase of $28 million, about 3.3% more than in 2023.
However, President Nayib Bukele and his Security Cabinet requested budget reinforcements throughout this year, both for the National Civil Police (PNC), the Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES) and other related areas. Military protective equipment was provided, as well as new rifles, a prison was built for gang members, and armored tactical equipment and other vehicles were purchased for both soldiers and police, among other acquisitions.
In the coming days, the ministers and other institutions of the Government of El Salvador will have to go to the Legislative Assembly to justify the use they will make of the requested money.