Concessions of a Leftist Party: The FMLN’s Dilemma in the Face of Funes’ Centrist Policies
On June 1, 2010, El Salvador celebrated the first year of Mauricio Funes’ presidency. As the first candidate from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) ever elected to the presidency, Funes’ victory revived a frustrated and marginalized constituency on the left and renewed widespread hope that social justice and large-scale reform could be achieved through parliamentary means. Since being elected, however, Funes has defied expectations and fears that he might be inclined to implement a radical leftist agenda. Instead, like other moderate leftists in Latin America (such as ex-Tupamaro and current president of Uruguay, José Mujica), he has expressed respect for the traditional institutions of representative democracy. As explained by Eric Zolov, Associate Professor of History at Franklin and Marshall College, “Funes and other moderate leftist leaders have accepted the democratic process as one of compromise.” Not only do these leaders understand that the route to achieving power is through elections, but they also understand that in order to govern effectively, one cannot adhere to any type of extreme political ideology.
Funes’ conciliatory posture, however, has not been maintained without consequence. In reaching out to those on the other side of the aisle, Funes has alienated many within his own base and raised speculation that he has lost touch with the founding ideals of the FMLN. As Funes continues down a politically sensitive path toward the center of the political spectrum, it is essential to examine the present trajectory of the FMLN as well as how the Salvadoran left is responding to his middle-of-the-road policies.
This analysis was prepared by COHA Research Associates Alexander Brockwehl & Juan Pablo Pitarque
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