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- Debashree Patra
Debashree Patra
- Reviewed by:
Nidhi KolhapurNidhi is a Certified Digital Marketing Executive and Passionate crypto Journalist covering the world of alternative currencies. She shares the latest and trending news on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain.
- Feb 09, 2026 11:25 UTC
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El Salvador Backs Bukele’s Security Moves, Not His Bitcoin Plan
Bukele’s approval hits 91.9% as security crackdowns slash crime, showing his popularity is driven by public safety—not Bitcoin adoption.
Bitcoin remains a minor public issue in El Salvador, even as the government keeps buying BTC daily under Bukele’s strong political mandate.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele continues to enjoy massive public support, despite his Bitcoin push not gaining the same enthusiasm. A new survey published by La Prensa Gráfica shows Bukele’s approval rating at 91.9%, highlighting just how popular he remains across the country.
Out of 1,200 people surveyed, nearly two-thirds said they strongly approve of his performance, while only 1.8% said they strongly disapprove. Bukele reacted in his usual sarcastic tone on social media, joking about how small the opposition has become.
The results suggest that his popularity is not tied to his crypto policies.
Security Improvements Drive Support
The survey shows that most of Bukele’s support comes from improvements in public safety. Since taking office in 2019, he has taken a hard stance against gangs, changing the image of a country that was once known for high crime.
A major part of this effort was the construction of the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a large prison built to hold suspected gang members. Homicide rates have dropped sharply compared to previous years, and many citizens say daily life has become safer.
For many people, these security gains matter far more than economic or technology-related policies.
Bitcoin has a limited public impact
El Salvador made history in 2021 by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, but the survey suggests the issue is not a major concern for most citizens. Only 2.2% of respondents described Bitcoin as Bukele’s biggest failure, and the topic barely appeared in most answers.
This shows that, despite government efforts to promote Bitcoin payments, everyday use remains limited. In a 2024 interview with TIME, Bukele himself admitted that Bitcoin did not achieve the level of adoption the government had expected.
The policy has also faced criticism from the International Monetary Fund, which warned about possible financial risks.
Government Still Adding Bitcoin
Even with limited public interest and pressure from international institutions, El Salvador has not stepped back from its Bitcoin strategy. Officials say the country has continued buying one Bitcoin per day since 2022, a plan Bukele has promised to maintain.
Online trackers connected to the country’s Bitcoin Office show that national holdings are still increasing, even after El Salvador agreed to scale back some crypto-related programs as part of a $1.4 billion IMF deal.
For now, Bukele’s strong approval ratings give him enough support to continue his Bitcoin policy, whether or not most citizens are actively using it.
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FAQs
Bukele’s approval comes mainly from improved public safety, tough anti-gang policies, and a sharp drop in crime that has made daily life feel safer.
Yes. The government continues its daily Bitcoin purchases, backed by Bukele’s strong political support, despite IMF concerns and low public use.
El Salvador holds over 7,475.4 Bitcoin, built through daily purchases since 2022, with the government saying it plans to keep adding long-term.
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