30th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – The Role of Parliaments in Global Security

Hon. Macarena Olona offered a strong endorsement of President Nayib Bukele’s security model, emphasizing that his overwhelming electoral support reflects tangible improvements in public safety. She argued that “without security there is no freedom,” framing El Salvador’s transformation as evidence that decisive state action can dismantle entrenched criminal networks.

Hon. Olona introduced the metaphor of sheep, wolves, and the shepherd dog to underscore the essential role of the police and armed forces. In her view, societies often misunderstand or mistrust their security institutions, despite relying on their courage to confront danger on behalf of civilians.

She praised key elements of the Bukele security doctrine, including firm political backing for law-enforcement agencies, the rejection of negotiations with gangs, and reforms that prioritize the protection of innocent citizens. Hon. Olona described El Salvador’s maximum-security facility, SEOT, as a global symbol in the fight against organized crime, asserting that it removes criminals’ ability to operate from prison and decisively shifts the balance of power in favor of the state.

She noted that several countries—including Ecuador, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica—are already studying or adapting El Salvador’s model. Hon. Olona emphasized that governments that fail to confront crime ultimately enable it and warned against states that violate the rule of law in the name of security, arguing that El Salvador has succeeded while maintaining legal authority.

She concluded with a tribute to the Salvadoran police and armed forces, praising their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting the public.