The COVID-19 outbreak affects the relationship between Mexico and El Salvador

The COVID-19 outbreak affects the relationship between Mexico and El Salvador

It seems like feuds between governments are no longer handled through discreet diplomatic notes. Yesterday, Nayib Bukele , the President of El Salvador , accused the Mexican government of being “irresponsible” for allegedly allowing 12 people infected with COVID-19 to board a plane that would land in San Salvador . Marcelo Ebrard , Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister , explained that the flight had been canceled and that 12 Salvadorans wore masks but were not infected with coronavirus , as confirmed by health authorities. In June 2019, President López Obrado r accidentally slapped Bukele during a public event but the Salvadoran President took the incident with humor. However, it seems like the pandemic has made Nayib Bukele nervous and he has lost his good humor.

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López-Gatell is not resigning

Yesterday, Dr. Hugo López Gatell forgot about his scientific discourse and said: “the President’s force is moral, not contagious.” The phrase motivated opposition senators to demand his resignation , who argued that “a man that makes those statements can’t lead the emergency sparked by COVID-19 .” Nevertheless, we’ve been told that these senators don’t know President López Obrador because instead of forcing Gatell to resign, the doctor-politician is cementing his position.

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No hugs or kisses for Dr. Gatell

Dr. Hugo López Gatell

will visit the Senate today, where he will inform the politicians about the measures implemented in the face of the sanitary emergency sparked by COVID-19 . López Gatell will talk to senators after saying that it would be better for the President to contract the virus so that after his recovery, he is immune. Moreover, Morena senator Ricardo Monreal will be in charge of stopping the opposition from attacking Gatell. What is clear is López Gatell won’t be shaking hands.

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Will lawmakers skip work?

Today, federal lawmakers will decide if they halt their activities after coming back from an extra-long weekend. Although they are enthusiastic about working, the COVID-19 crisis might ruin their plans since their work could be postponed. We’ve been told that this measure has received support from Laura Rojas , who has talked about implementing a home office format. However, it’s quite possible that lawmakers don’t go to work.

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