Edition of November 5, 2026
Legislative commission backs the investment agreement with Argentina
The Legislative Assembly's Commission on Salvadorans Abroad unanimously approved on Thursday a favorable report to ratify the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between El Salvador and Argentina, Contrapunto and Diario El Mundo reported. The instrument was signed on September 25 in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. According to both outlets, Foreign Ministry officials —Lisandro Landaverde and Néstor Gámez— said the pact seeks to reduce legal uncertainty for investors, with rules on treatment, asset protection, transfers and dispute settlement, and covers sectors such as agribusiness, specialized manufacturing and technological and logistics infrastructure. El Mundo and Contrapunto note both countries already had a 1996 agreement; the new text, according to El Mundo, renews that framework.
Tourism Ministry reports 3.9 million visitors through October and projects 4.2 million in 2026
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez said at the Turinnova 2026 International Tourism Congress that El Salvador counted 3.9 million international visitors through October and keeps a year-end projection of 4.2 million, Dinero.com.sv and Diario El Salvador reported. According to both outlets, Valdez cited the UN Tourism barometer in saying the country is Latin America's fastest-growing tourism market and the second worldwide, and compared 2.6 million visitors in 2019 with 4.1 million at the end of 2025. The event is at the Technological University of El Salvador (UTEC); Diario El Salvador says the central theme is artificial intelligence, innovation and regenerative tourism. Visitor figures are those reported by Mitur.
Claudia Ortiz announces the Avancemos movement and confirms a VAMOS candidacy
Lawmaker Claudia Ortiz announced the creation of "Avancemos," a political movement of VAMOS members formed after differences in the party's internal process to elect leaders, and confirmed she will run for a San Salvador Assembly seat under the VAMOS banner, Diario La Página and Infobae reported. According to Infobae, Ortiz said on Punto 105 FM's Corre Corre: "Su servidora va a participar como candidata a diputada por el departamento San Salvador, por el partido VAMOS" (our translation). La Página and Infobae agree the party leadership process was suspended and that Ortiz describes Avancemos as "a political movement that participates in a political party" (our translation), also aiming to convene people who do not belong to parties. Ortiz, cited by Infobae, said she agrees with VAMOS's ideology and keeps her membership.
CASATUR will gather 200 leaders on November 9–10 for 2027 tourism priorities
The Salvadoran Tourism Chamber (CASATUR) will hold its second Annual Tourism Congress 2026 on November 9–10, with about 200 industry leaders, to set 2027 priorities and push visitor growth into more foreign-exchange earnings, Diario Co Latino and Infobae reported. Both cite CASATUR president Carlos Umaña on a January–August 2026 gap: arrivals rose 22% while tourism income rose 12%. Co Latino and Infobae agree the congress will deliver to Tourism Minister Morena Valdez the document "Las prioridades del sector Turismo 2027." According to both, Mitur reports 3,920,726 international visitors from January through October 2026, 19% more than the same period in 2025.
Doctor María Isabel Rodríguez turns 104
Doctor María Isabel Rodríguez turns 104 on November 5, 2026, elsalvador.com and Infobae reported. Both outlets note she was born in San Salvador in 1922, was the third Salvadoran woman to graduate in Medicine (1948, according to Infobae) and the first woman to serve as rector of the University of El Salvador; Infobae places her rectorate between 1999 and 2007. She was health minister from 2009 to 2014, and in 2015 PAHO named her a Heroine of Public Health of the Americas, according to Infobae. elsalvador.com and Infobae agree on her career in medicine, teaching and public health.
Public Works installs paving around Cine Libertad
The Public Works Ministry (MOP) is continuing work around Cine Libertad in San Salvador's Historic Center, installing paving and doing landscaping on nearby streets, Diario La Página and elsalvador.com reported. According to elsalvador.com, the restoration project began in September 2024, includes cinema halls —among them IMAX technology— a museum, terrace and audiovisual training spaces, and still has no official opening date. La Página frames the work as improving the landmark's surroundings. Both outlets rely on images and messages the MOP shared on Thursday.
Félix Ulloa represents El Salvador at the 30th Ibero-American Summit in Madrid
Vice President Félix Ulloa arrived in Madrid to represent President Nayib Bukele at the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, which brings together representatives of 22 countries, Diario La Página and Contrapunto reported. According to La Página, on arriving at Madrid's Teatro Real Ulloa greeted Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and took part in the opening ceremony led by the monarchs, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Ibero-American Secretary-General Andrés Allamand also present. The summit's motto is "Together we build our Community. Together we project it toward the future and toward the world" (our translation). Contrapunto says Ulloa is attending, according to official information, to keep the country present in regional and international dialogue and cooperation forums.
The Assembly approves an extra $15 million for the Public Works Ministry from tax surpluses
The Legislative Assembly approved on Wednesday, November 4, under an expedited procedure, an amendment to the 2026 Budget Law that assigns an additional $15 million to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOP/MOPT) for strategic public-investment projects for the rest of the year, La Noticia SV and Dinero.com.sv reported. According to both outlets, the funding comes from tax-collection surpluses reported through October 2026: $5 million from income tax and $10 million from VAT. Dinero.com.sv says the reform received 57 votes. Lawmaker Christian Guevara, cited by Dinero.com.sv, said the ministry's role has expanded to works such as parks, schools and Urban Centers for Well-Being and Opportunities (CUBO).
MARN is watching a Pacific low that could intensify rains this weekend
The Environment Ministry (MARN) is monitoring an area of low pressure south of the coasts of El Salvador and Nicaragua that could approach and favor more cloud cover and rain, especially along the coast and in the east, over the weekend and Monday, November 9, elsalvador.com, Diario El Mundo and Contrapunto reported. According to elsalvador.com and El Mundo, the U.S. National Hurricane Center gives the system a 30% chance of cyclone development within 48 hours and 50% within seven days; MARN warns that forecasts still have uncertainty about track and intensity. A second system near Hawaii, according to elsalvador.com and Contrapunto, would not affect El Salvador.
Salvadoran Sonia Vásquez Luna wins a seat in Virginia's House of Delegates
Salvadoran Sonia Vásquez Luna won a seat in Virginia's House of Delegates on Tuesday, November 3, in a special election in the 20th District, Contrapunto and elsalvador.com reported. According to elsalvador.com, the Democratic candidate won about 70% of the vote against Republican Nathaniel Fritzen, with preliminary results still pending certification. Vásquez Luna emigrated from El Salvador to the United States in 2001 at age 19, and in 2022 became the first Latina woman elected to the Manassas City Council. She will finish the term left vacant by Michelle Maldonado, through January 2028, according to elsalvador.com. Contrapunto describes her as the first woman of Salvadoran and Central American origin to serve as a delegate in that state legislature.
The Assembly awards Chinese ambassador Zhang Yanhui the "Noble Friend of El Salvador" recognition
The Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, November 4, awarded the "Noble Friend of El Salvador" recognition to China's ambassador to El Salvador, Zhang Yanhui, Diario La Página and Diario El Mundo reported. According to El Mundo, Assembly President Ernesto Castro said China has become "one of El Salvador's main partners" (our translation) and mentioned contributions such as the National Library, the National Stadium and the La Libertad tourist pier. Zhang, who according to El Mundo is ending his mission in the coming days after serving since January 2023, thanked the Assembly and said, according to La Página: "This recognition is not only a personal honor, but a symbol of the friendship between China and El Salvador" (our translation).
The PNC reports zero homicides on Wednesday, November 4
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Wednesday, November 4, ended with 0 homicides in the country. The Presidential Press Secretariat said "On Wednesday, November 4, El Salvador closed the day with no homicides nationwide" (our translation) and credited the security work of President Nayib Bukele's government. It is the fourth day in a row with zero homicides according to the PNC, which also reported 0 on Sunday, November 1, Monday, November 2, and Tuesday, November 3. The figures are the government's.
Firpo beats Alianza 2-0 and consolidates its lead in the 2026 Apertura
Luis Ángel Firpo beat Alianza 2-0 on Wednesday, November 4, at the Sergio Torres Rivera stadium in Usulután and remained the leader of the 2026 Apertura in El Salvador's top division, elsalvador.com and Diario El Mundo reported. The goals were scored by Mauro González and Michell Mercado in the first half; the sources disagree on the exact minutes, so none are given. Alianza finished with ten players after Narciso Orellana was sent off. The match was a postponed third-round fixture delayed by the Central American Cup. According to elsalvador.com, Firpo reached 36 points; El Mundo says the result sealed its place in the postseason.
El Salvador names a 24-player squad for the Gold Cup Play-In against Saint Martin
The Salvadoran Football Federation named a 24-player squad to face Saint Martin in the 2027 Gold Cup Play-In, elsalvador.com and Diario El Mundo reported. The training camp is set for November 8–17; the first leg is away on the 13th and the return at home on the 17th. Firpo supplies five players, the most from any single club. Among the legionaries is Jorge Méndez of Panama's San Francisco, receiving his first call-up after FIFA cleared him to switch associations, along with Amando Moreno and Nelson Blanco. The coach is Hernán Darío "Bolillo" Gómez.
National Geographic highlights El Salvador's tourism transformation
National Geographic published a November 4 feature on El Salvador as an emerging Central American destination, as reported by elsalvador.com and Infobae. Both summarize that the piece, for National Geographic Spain's travel section, describes the recovery of San Salvador's Historic Center, the potential of volcanoes, beaches and archaeological sites, and Surf City's role. Infobae quotes guide Diego Gómez: "There is a generation that grew up without knowing the Historic Center, because this was ground zero of danger" (our translation). elsalvador.com also highlights the cuisine, especially pupusas. The original Viajes National Geographic page could not be opened from the server (403), so it is cited through these two outlets.
Press Secretariat: SecPrensa says El Salvador received 3.9 million international visitors through October and projects 4.2 million by year-end
SecPrensa says El Salvador received 3.9 million international visitors through October and projects 4.2 million by year-end.
Press Secretariat: SecPrensa announces a partial closure of the Naciones Unidas roundabout from 9:00 p.m
SecPrensa announces a partial closure of the Naciones Unidas roundabout from 9:00 p.m. today until 5:00 a.m. Friday the 6th for walkway construction.
Presidency: Casa Presidencial expresses condolences on the death of María Ofelia, widow of Cucalón, mother of government official @RCucalon_
Casa Presidencial expresses condolences on the death of María Ofelia, widow of Cucalón, mother of government official @RCucalon_.
Press Secretariat: SecPrensa highlights tourism-sector representatives meeting at Turinnova, the 2026 International Tourism Congress
SecPrensa highlights tourism-sector representatives meeting at Turinnova, the 2026 International Tourism Congress.
Press Secretariat: SecPrensa announces the Los Chorros stretch of the Pan-American Highway will close Sunday, November 8, from midnight to 11:59 p.m., for slope blasting
SecPrensa announces the Los Chorros stretch of the Pan-American Highway will close Sunday, November 8, from midnight to 11:59 p.m., for slope blasting.
Press Secretariat: SecPrensa says Turinnova 2026 is underway Thursday to analyze technological and sustainable tourism trends
SecPrensa says Turinnova 2026 is underway Thursday to analyze technological and sustainable tourism trends.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat credits the government for ending November 4 with no nationwide homicides
The Press Secretariat credits the government for ending November 4 with no nationwide homicides.
PNC: Says Wednesday, November 4, ended with zero homicides nationwide
The PNC says Wednesday, November 4, ended with zero homicides nationwide.
PNC: Keeps traffic units in the west and asks drivers to use caution because of the rain
The PNC keeps traffic units in the west and asks drivers to use caution because of the rain.
PNC: Deploys stadium security in Usulután and La Unión for First Division matches
The PNC deploys stadium security in Usulután and La Unión for First Division matches.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat reminds drivers that Los Chorros will be fully closed Sunday, November 8, for controlled blasting
The Press Secretariat reminds drivers that Los Chorros will be fully closed Sunday, November 8, for controlled blasting.
Bukele: Reposts a Mario Nawfal message about Salvadoran troops deployed in Haiti
Bukele reposts a Mario Nawfal message about Salvadoran troops deployed in Haiti.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat presents the Mype Conecta initiative for micro and small businesses
The Press Secretariat presents the Mype Conecta initiative for micro and small businesses.
Bukele: Reposts a Visegrád 24 message about Salvadoran soldiers in Haiti
Bukele reposts a Visegrád 24 message about Salvadoran soldiers in Haiti.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat highlights promotion and training for micro and small businesses
The Press Secretariat highlights promotion and training for micro and small businesses.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat announces the family-friendly seal for Santa Ana's National Theater, backed by the first lady
The Press Secretariat announces the family-friendly seal for Santa Ana's National Theater, backed by the first lady.
Armed Forces: Repost the PNC's zero-homicide report for Tuesday, November 3
The Armed Forces repost the PNC's zero-homicide report for Tuesday, November 3.