The Salvadoran cardinal urges the government to dialogue with the worsening of COVID-19

Salvadoran Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez asked for transparency and dialogue and that political parties find common ground as disagreements between branches of government led to the expiry of the COVID-19 restrictions even though confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country are increasing.

Rosa Chavez, auxiliary bishop of San Salvador, and archbishop Jose Luis Escobar Alas complained of the dysfunction between the president of El Salvador and the members of the general assembly, which led to the expiry in mid-June of the "quarantine law" that had regulated the country's activities during the COVID-19 crisis.

On June 16, the country of over 6,5 million reported a total of over 4.000 confirmed cases and reached a daily high of 125 new reported cases, although some believe the data is underestimated. However, some also believe that the stringent blocking measures implemented in mid-March by President Nayib Bukele's government led to relatively low figures. However, after the president and the general assembly failed to agree on a plan in June, the blocking measures expired.

Although a phased plan to open the economy has been announced, many Salvadorans - including the large majority earning a living in the informal economy, selling items and services on the streets - began operating normally as soon as the Law on quarantine. Even before the blockade expired, some news organizations reported that morgues and hospitals had been overwhelmed, but the reality of COVID-19 among the Salvadoran population had not been fully disclosed.

Catholic leaders pleaded with the public to continue observing social distances, use masks to protect themselves from contagion and stay home.

The cardinal was brought into focus after offering a criticism to the president on June 7, saying that "people need to work, they need to make a living for their family", but the conditions for this to happen had to be carefully analyzed , and the President's "dictatorial position" did not lead others to believe they were included in that process.

Although one of the members of the general assembly asked that the cardinal participate, together with a member of the United Nations, as a neutral party in the talks that could lead to dialogue between the executive and legislative branches of the government, the prelate found himself the victim of a vicious online attacks, as some have accused him of being in the pockets of parties that disagree with the president.

The cardinal, however, has a long history of attempts to mediate disagreements, including involvement in talks that ultimately led to peace agreements and ended the country's 12-year civil war in 1992.

When the cardinal invited the current administration to be "open to all", to be collaborative and non-confrontational, he raised the wrath of the supporters of the populist Bukele, whose campaign strategy was to attack other parts that had previously held power in El Salvador. For years, the Catholic Church has asked for dialogue as a way to lasting peace in the country, particularly as polarization is on the rise.

"We see permanent clashes, offenses, insults of delegitimizing the opponent in the midst of this tragedy and which we cannot accept as correct," said the cardinal on June 7. “We hope we can correct the course, because the way we are driven, the country will suffer more than expected. "

After the cardinal was attacked online, Escobar came to his defense and said even though he would not defend the cardinal's views, "because in opinions, it is always valid to disagree," he said he wanted to defend him as a person. .

"He enjoys our highest esteem and appreciation for his great human quality, his exemplary life as a priest, his personal integrity and the valuable contribution he has made and continues to make to our country," he said.