New Ideas Deputy Ernesto Castro. Few names have gained prominence as quickly and decisively as Ernesto Castro in El Salvador’s shifting political landscape. He may not always be front-page news, but he undeniably has become a central figure in shaping the future of Salvadoran politics.
Ernesto Castro is the current president of the Legislative Assembly and a trusted ally of President Nayib Bukele. Castro has been instrumental in ushering in a new era of governance under the Nuevas Ideas banner.
Ernesto Castro, representing the San Salvador department, secured his legislative seat in the 2021 elections and was reelected for another three-year term in the 2024 elections.
Deputy Ernesto Castro was elected President of the Legislative Assembly in May 2021 and has maintained this role since.
In both 2021 and 2024, Castro secured his legislative seat with overwhelming support from San Salvador voters, showcasing his popularity and the effectiveness of the Nuevas Ideas political machine.
SEE ALSO: Nayib Bukele: El Salvador’s Controversial and Popular President
Longtime Bukele Ally & Political Beginnings in the FMLN
Castro’s political roots trace back to Bukele’s days as mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán—as Bukele rose through the ranks, Castro followed closely.
He served as Bukele’s private secretary during the early years of his presidency and remained one of Bukele’s most trusted confidants.
Interestingly, Castro’s political journey began with the leftist FMLN, which supported Bukele early in his career. When Bukele formed Nuevas Ideas, Castro transitioned with him, solidifying his place in the new political order.
Driver of Major Institutional Reform
Castro’s most consequential actions include championing reforms that reduced the number of municipalities from 262 to 44 and cutting the number of legislative seats from 84 to 60.
These actions were presented as efforts to increase efficiency, but critics perceived them as a means to consolidate power for Nayib Bukele.
Deputy Ernesto Castro Controversies and Criticism
Despite promises of transparency and fiscal responsibility during his political campaigns, Castro has faced allegations of nepotism and overspending in the Legislative Assembly.
Critics of the Legislature president assert that many of his austerity promises made during the campaigns have not been fulfilled, raising concerns about the administration’s stated values.
Additionally, Castro has drawn criticism for repeatedly approving extensions of the state of exception, which critics argue undermines civil liberties and concentrates power in the executive branch.
Lastly, Castro has been criticized for rubber-stamping President Bukele’s agenda. Opponents accuse him of enabling democratic backsliding by swiftly approving executive initiatives without meaningful debate.
