U.S. official faults El Salvador plan to fire all over-60 judges
September 2, 2021
8:37 PM CDT
Last Updated an hour ago
Americas
Reuters
2 minute read
SAN SALVADOR, Sept 2 (Reuters) - A legal reform in El Salvador that seeks to fire all judges over the age of 60 that was approved by allies of President Nayib Bukele came under criticism from a U.S. official on Thursday, in the latest American rebuke of the president's agenda.
The over-60 purge is also set to apply to prosecutors, among other judicial branch employees, and forms part of Bukele's broader effort to revamp the Central American nation's justice system.
About a third of the country's nearly 700 judges, and dozens of prosecutors, could be relieved of their jobs under the plan, according to judicial branch data.
Jean Manes, the head of business affairs for the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, took to Twitter on Thursday to criticize the age-based employment policy.
More:
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-official-faults-el-salvador-plan-fire-all-over-60-judges-2021-09-02/?rpc=401&
Kindred spirits. Each one is conducting a public love affair with himself. The people of El Salvador must be so sick
of Bukele.
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A woman holds a sign that reads "New Ideas (NI) equals corruption", San Salvador,
El Salvador, July. 30, 2021. | Photo: EFE
Published 4 September 2021
El Salvador's Supreme Court (CSJ) reversed a 2014 ruling that banned presidential re-election, thus opening the way for President Nayib Bukele's second term in office in 2024.
The ruling specified that incumbent presidents might only compete in the electoral race if they have not occupied the presidential position immediately before their election.
Since Bukele did not hold office in the 2014-2019 period, he is now eligible for re-election for the 2024-2029 term.
On Saturday, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) ratified the CSJ's decision while adding that such rulings are "unappealable and mandatory."
The ruling specified that incumbent presidents might only compete in the electoral race if they have not occupied the presidential position immediately before their election.
Since Bukele did not hold office in the 2014-2019 period, he is now eligible for re-election for the 2024-2029 term.
On Saturday, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) ratified the CSJ's decision while adding that such rulings are "unappealable and mandatory."
More:
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/El-Salvador-Top-Court-Opens-the-Way-for-Bukeles-Reelection-20210904-0001.html