Latest news with #Figueroa
6 hours ago
- Politics
El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection and extends presidential terms to 6 years
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- The party of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele approved constitutional changes in the country's Legislative Assembly on Thursday that will allow indefinite presidential reelection and extend presidential terms to six years. Lawmaker Ana Figueroa from the New Ideas party had proposed the changes to five articles of the constitution. The proposal also included eliminating the second round of the election where the two top vote-getters from the first round face off. New Ideas and its allies in the Legislative Assembly quickly approved the proposals with the supermajority they hold. The vote passed with 57 in favor and three opposed. Bukele overwhelmingly won reelection last year despite a constitutional ban, after Supreme Court justices selected by his party ruled in 2021 to allow reelection to a second five-year term. Observers have worried that Bukele had a plan to consolidate power since at least 2021, when a newly elected Congress with a strong governing party majority voted to remove the magistrates of the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court. Those justices had been seen as the last check on the popular president. Since then, Bukele has only grown more popular. The Biden administration's initial expressions of concern gave way to quiet acceptance as Bukele announced his run for reelection. With the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House in January, Bukele had a new powerful ally and quickly offered Trump help by taking more than 200 deportees from other countries into a newly built prison for gang members. Figueroa argued Thursday that federal lawmakers and mayors can already seek reelection as many times as they want. 'All of them have had the possibility of reelection through popular vote, the only exception until now has been the presidency,' Figueroa said. She also proposed that Bukele's current term, scheduled to end June 1, 2029, instead finish June 1, 2027, to put presidential and congressional elections on the same schedule. It would also allow Bukele to seek reelection to a longer term two years earlier. Marcela Villatoro of the Nationalist Republican Alliance (Arena), one of three votes against the proposals, told her fellow lawmakers that 'Democracy in El Salvador has died!' 'You don't realize what indefinite reelection brings: It brings an accumulation of power and weakens democracy ... there's corruption and clientelism because nepotism grows and halts democracy and political participation,' she said. Suecy Callejas, the assembly's vice president, said that 'power has returned to the only place that it truly belongs ... to the Salvadoran people.' Bukele did not immediately comment. Bukele, who once dubbed himself 'the world's coolest dictator,' is highly popular, largely because of his heavy-handed fight against the country's powerful street gangs. Voters have been willing to overlook evidence that his administration like others before it had negotiated with the gangs, before seeking a state of emergency that suspended some constitutional rights and allowed authorities to arrest and jail tens of thousands of people. His success with security and politically has inspired imitators in the region who seek to replicate his style. Most recently, Bukele's government has faced international criticism for the arrests of high-profile lawyers who have been outspoken critics of his administration. One of the country's most prominent human rights group announced in July it was moving its operations out of El Salvador for the safety of its people, accusing the government of a 'wave of repression.'
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection, extends presidential terms to six years
SAN SALVADOR: The party of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele approved constitutional changes in the country's Legislative Assembly on Thursday that will allow indefinite presidential reelection and extend presidential terms to six years. Lawmaker Ana Figueroa from the New Ideas party had proposed the changes to five articles of the constitution. The proposal also included eliminating the second round of the election where the two top vote-getters from the first round face off. New Ideas and its allies in the Legislative Assembly quickly approved the proposals with the supermajority they hold. The vote passed with 57 in favor and three opposed. Bukele overwhelmingly won reelection last year despite a constitutional ban, after Supreme Court justices selected by his party ruled in 2021 to allow reelection to a second five-year term. Observers have worried that Bukele had a plan to consolidate power since at least 2021, when a newly elected Congress with a strong governing party majority voted to remove the magistrates of the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court. Those justices had been seen as the last check on the popular president. Since then, Bukele has only grown more popular. The Biden administration's initial expressions of concern gave way to quiet acceptance as Bukele announced his run for reelection. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January, Bukele had a new powerful ally and quickly offered Trump help by taking more than 200 deportees from other countries into a newly built prison for gang members. Figueroa argued Thursday that federal lawmakers and mayors can already seek reelection as many times as they want. 'All of them have had the possibility of reelection through popular vote, the only exception until now has been the presidency,' Figueroa said. She also proposed that Bukele's current term, scheduled to end June 1, 2029, instead finish June 1, 2027, to put presidential and congressional elections on the same schedule. It would also allow Bukele to seek reelection to a longer term two years earlier. Marcela Villatoro of the Nationalist Republican Alliance (Arena), one of three votes against the proposals, told her fellow lawmakers that 'Democracy in El Salvador has died!' 'You don't realize what indefinite reelection brings: It brings an accumulation of power and weakens democracy... there's corruption and clientelism because nepotism grows and halts democracy and political participation,' she said. Suecy Callejas, the assembly's vice president, said that 'power has returned to the only place that it truly belongs ... to the Salvadoran people.' Bukele did not immediately comment. Bukele, who once dubbed himself 'the world's coolest dictator,' is highly popular, largely because of his heavy-handed fight against the country's powerful street gangs. Voters have been willing to overlook evidence that his administration, like others before it had negotiated with the gangs before seeking a state of emergency that suspended some constitutional rights and allowed authorities to arrest and jail tens of thousands of people. His success with security and politically has inspired imitators in the region who seek to replicate his style. Most recently, Bukele's government has faced international criticism for the arrests of high-profile lawyers who have been outspoken critics of his administration. One of the country's most prominent human rights group announced in July it was moving its operations out of El Salvador for the safety of its people, accusing the government of a 'wave of repression.'
The Hill
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection and extends presidential terms to 6 years
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — The party of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele approved constitutional changes in the country's National Assembly on Thursday that will allow indefinite presidential reelection and extend presidential terms to six years. Lawmaker Ana Figueroa from the New Ideas party had proposed the changes to five articles of the constitution. The proposal also included eliminating the second round of the election where the two top vote-getters from the first round face off. New Ideas and its allies in the National Assembly quickly approved the proposals with the supermajority they hold. The vote passed with 57 in favor and three opposed. Bukele overwhelmingly won reelection last year despite a constitutional ban, after Supreme Court justices selected by his party ruled in 2021 that it allowed reelection to a second five-year term. Figueroa argued Thursday that federal lawmakers and mayors can already seek reelection as many times as they want. 'All of them have had the possibility of reelection through popular vote, the only exception until now has been the presidency,' Figueroa said. She also proposed that Bukele's current term, scheduled to end June 1, 2029, instead finish June 1, 2027, to put presidential and congressional elections on the same schedule. It would also allow Bukele to seek reelection to a longer term two years earlier. Marcela Villatoro of the Nationalist Republican Alliance (Arena), one of three votes against the proposals, told her fellow lawmakers that 'Democracy in El Salvador has died!' 'You don't realize what indefinite reelection brings: It brings an accumulation of power and weakens democracy … there's corruption and clientelism because nepotism grows and halts democracy and political participation,' she said. Suecy Callejas, the assembly's vice president, said that 'power has returned to the only place that it truly belongs … to the Salvadoran people.' Bukele did not immediately comment. Bukele, who once dubbed himself 'the world's coolest dictator,' is highly popular, largely because of his heavy-handed fight against the country's powerful street gangs. Voters have been willing to overlook evidence that his administration like others before it had negotiated with the gangs, before seeking a state of emergency that suspended some constitutional rights and allowed authorities to arrest and jail tens of thousands of people. His success with security and politically has inspired imitators in the region who seek to replicate his style.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Long Island fire chief accused of storming state lawmaker's office in ICE feud now facing trespassing charge
A Democratic Long Island lawmaker is pressing charges against a local fire chief who he claims barged into his office and traumatized his staff after the duo feuded over the fire department's participation in ICE raids earlier this month. State Assemblyman Phil Ramos has issued a trespass against East Brentwood Fire Chief Bryant Figueroa — meaning he can't go near the office again without being arrested — and formally pressed charges against the volunteer firefighter after a July 10 stand-off following days of public feuding. 'Figueroa's actions represent a clear violation of New York State Penal Law,' Ramos said in a statement announcing that charges against the chief were filed. 3 New York State Assemblyman Phil Ramos has pressed charges against East Brentwood Fire Chief Bryant Figueroa. 'His aggressive and unannounced entry created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in what should be a safe and respectful workplace.' A spokesperson for Ramos said the charges have been officially handed over to the DA, but since the violation isn't criminal, Figueroa will only receive a court summons and will not be arrested. The DA did not respond to a request for confirmation, but Suffolk County police told The Post that charges have not been officially filed, and that the department is still investigating the lawmaker's claims. But Figueroa shot back at Ramos after learning of the charges, accused him of using his political influence to pressure cops into pursuing baseless charges. 'Assemblyman Phil Ramos filed charges against me — first by approaching the New York State Police in a confrontational manner — when informed that no crime had been committed, he then went to the local precinct, applying pressure in what appears to be a clear abuse of his title and influence,' Figueroa said. 3 Ramos claims Bryant stormed into his office and traumatized his staff after they argued over the fire department's involvement in the ICE raids earlier this month. East Brentwood Fire Department 'This behavior is deeply troubling, particularly from someone who once wore a badge.' The political rivalry started in early July, after unmarked ICE agents and vehicles were confirmed to be operating a makeshift base out a local firehouse's parking lot — sparking anger from Ramos who led a protest accusing local fire officials of aiding the feds in their local immigration raids. East Brentwood's fire officials told The Post they had no prior knowledge of ICE using the fire station's parking lot as a base, adding that as a state entity, it can't stop a federal agency from using the site, which they also said is public property. After days of public chastising from Ramos, Figueroa showed up to his office 'visibly angry' and 'intent on confrontation,' adding the chief ignored staff and charged toward his private office and forcibly entered, the assemblyman said. 3 In a statement, Ramos said, a clear violation of New York State Penal Law.' East Brentwood Fire Department Ramos was not present at the time of the incident, but said his staff is still traumatized from Figueroa's actions. Local firefighters, however, believe the 'petty' public spat between the pair has gone on far too long and needs to come to an end. 'If I'm honest, neither person is correct in the situation,' one firefighter told The Post under the agreement on anonymity. 'It's very childish from both people involved,' they added.
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
UP fends off NU to capture first-ever Filoil Preseason three-peat
For the first time in the history of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, a team seized three titles in a row. This, after powerhouse University of the Philippines dominated fellow UAAP team National University, 79-65, to reign supreme in the 2025 edition on Sunday, clinching a rare three-peat feat in the annual preseason showcase. The Fighting Maroons were comfortably holding a 22-point lead after big man Gani Stevens sank a pair of free throws that pushed UP's lead to 74-52 early in the fourth. But the Bulldogs staged a massive fightback after taking advantage of foul-plagued UP with Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Kinshin Padrones combined for seven straight freebies that trimmed their deficit to 13, 65-78, in the final 1:44. NU, though, missed their next shots as Harold Alarcon sealed the final shot with a split on the line as UP clinched what no team has ever done before. Francis Nnoruka led the charge with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds to go with two assists and one block while Gerry Abadiano and Stevens each poured 13 markers. Stevens also grabbed nine boards, four dimes, and a steal. Figueroa and Padrones paced NU with 12 and 10 points apiece as NU finished as runner-up after a gallant run in the tournament, which saw them make the championship round despite being the fourth-ranked team after the elimination round. Scores: UP 79 - Figueroa 12, Padrones 10, Santiago 9, Palacielo 6, Manansala 6, Francisco 6, Enriquez 4, John 4, Jumamoy 3, Garcia 3, Dela Cruz 2, Solomon 0, Parks 0, Navarro 0. NU 65 - Nnoruka 15, Abadiano 13, Stevens 13, Remogat 8, Torres 7, Alarcon 7, Fortea 6, Alter 4, Yniguez 3, Belmonte 2, Bayla 1, Briones 0, Felicilda 0. Quarters: 27-21, 48-37, 70-49, 79-65. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
