San Salvador, El Salvador – Tensions surrounding the recently passed General Law of Metallic Mining in El Salvador escalated on Monday when opposition groups defaced historic monuments and buildings in the capital's historic center with anti-mining propaganda.
San Salvador Centro Mayor Mario Durán condemned the acts of vandalism, which included affixing flyers and posters to the National Palace's perimeter wall, the Gerardo Barrios monument, and various structures in Plaza Cívica (Libertad).
"This morning, a small group from the opposition vandalized monuments in our historic center of San Salvador," Mayor Durán stated on X, formerly Twitter. "Our Solid Waste teams cleaned the area immediately. We will not allow these groups to create disorder with obsolete practices of the past."
The incident follows a protest held on Sunday by opposition groups in the same area, where demonstrators voiced their rejection of the new mining law, which was approved by the Legislative Assembly in December 2024. Critics argue that the law does not adequately protect the environment and could lead to irreversible damage to the country's natural resources.
Despite the opposition's efforts to mobilize support against the mining law, attendance at Sunday's protest was reportedly low. President Nayib Bukele, a staunch supporter of the new legislation, criticized the opposition's campaign, suggesting that their lack of popular support was evident.
"They carried out a month-long campaign in the main media and social networks," President Bukele commented. "This is what they achieved. It is clear that there is no opposition without USAID money."
The vandalism incident has further polarized the debate surrounding the mining law, with both sides exchanging accusations and criticisms. The government maintains that the law will bring economic benefits and generate employment, while environmental groups and opposition parties argue that it prioritizes economic interests over environmental protection.
The controversy over the mining law highlights the deep divisions within Salvadoran society and the challenges the country faces in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. As the debate continues, the future of El Salvador's natural resources and the well-being of its citizens remain at stake.
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