El Salvador's new president, Nayib Bukele (L), is sworn in by the president of the National Assembly, Norman Quijano (R) next to his wife Gabriela RodriguezSAN SALVADOR - Conservative businessman Nayib Bukele took office Saturday as president of El Salvador, tasked with turning around grinding poverty and rampant gang violence that are sending thousands fleeing to the United States. Bukele has said he will seek closer ties with the United States, home to 2.5 million Salvadorans. "Congratulations President Bukele on your inauguration! The United States stands ready to work with @NayibBukele to advance prosperity in El Salvador and the hemisphere," Trump said. Critics say Bukele, former mayor of the capital San Salvador, is light on policy and substance.

Source: Bangkok Post June 01, 2019 23:37 UTC