Statement by the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies on the Constitutional Reform in El Salvador

The constitutional reforms passed by the National Assembly of El Salvador on July 31, 2025 – introducing indefinite presidential re-election, extending presidential terms, and eliminating runoff elections- represent a grave threat to democracy and the separation of powers. These reforms fundamentally erode institutional checks and balances and pave the way for the indefinite consolidation of executive power.

The enactment of such sweeping reforms, absent substantive parliamentary debate and meaningful consultation with civil society, undermine the credibility of El Salvador’s democratic institutions. These changes constitute a direct deviation from the principles set forth in the Warsaw Declaration and the foundational democratic values that the Community of Democracies seeks to safeguard.

As Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, I stand resolutely in defense of the democratic values enshrined in the Warsaw Declaration and urge El Salvador’s authorities to reconsider these measures and to restore a democratic process rooted in institutional integrity. I also urge Member States to remain actively engaged with El Salvador in order to support efforts that uphold the rule of law, protect political pluralism, and ensure continued respect for the democratic principles.