El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has openly discussed a potential path to remain in power until 2033, signaling a desire to extend his presidency beyond the traditionally allowed limits. This comes after constitutional changes earlier in 2025 cleared the way for Bukele to seek re-election despite previous term limits-a move that has drawn international scrutiny[[1]]. Bukele, who first assumed office in 2019[[2]], recently revealed his aspirations in a public interview, further fueling debate over democratic norms in the Central American nation.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has indicated he would like to remain in office for another decade, potentially extending his leadership until 2033. The revelation comes as Bukele’s administration has navigated controversial reforms allowing him to pursue a third term, raising questions about democratic norms in the Central American nation.
In a recent interview with Spanish YouTuber David Cánovas Martínez, Bukele stated, “I wouldn’t like to leave right now, but we’ll see what God, my family and the country say… but if it were up to me, I would stay 10 more years.”
Bukele clarified that this expresses his personal desire, adding, “I’m saying this as my wish, it doesn’t mean it has to happen, it could be that I only go until 2027.” He further revealed a discussion with his wife, Gabriela de Bukele, regarding a potential commitment to remain in power until 2033.
“The agreement I have with my wife, although it’s still being negotiated, is that we reach 2029… but what I’ve told her is that if I run in the next election, the term ends in 2033, so I can’t leave,” he said.
Bukele initially served as president from 2019 to 2024. He then ran for and won a second term despite constitutional limitations, a move that sparked debate over the boundaries of presidential power. He assumed office for his second term in June of last year.
#Bukele dice que le gustaría gobernar “diez años más”
“No me gustaría irme ahorita, pero vamos a ver qué dice Dios, mi familia y el país”, expresó el presidente de #ElSalvador (mg)
Lea el artículo completo haciendo clic en la imagenhttps://t.co/HTop7dLAUi
— DW Español (@dw_espanol) December 30, 2025
Reforms approved in 2025 paved the way for advanced elections in December, which in turn allow Bukele to seek a third term. Specifically, articles 75, 80, 133, 152 and 154 of the country’s constitution were amended. These changes could allow Bukele to remain president until 2033.
Addressing concerns about these changes, Bukele argued, “90% of developed countries allow indefinite re-election of their head of government, and no one bats an eye. But when a small, poor country like El Salvador tries to do the same, it suddenly becomes the end of democracy.”
