Nationalist Republican Alliance

The Salvadoran Nationalist Republican Alliance, known by its Spanish acronym ARENA, is a prominent political party in El Salvador. Founded in 1981 by Roberto D'Aubuisson, a former army officer, the party emerged during a tumultuous period in Salvadoran history, amidst a brutal civil war that lasted from 1980 to 1992. ARENA is traditionally seen as a right-wing party, with its roots deeply embedded in conservative, pro-business, and anti-communist ideologies. The party's formation was in part a response to the rise of leftist guerrilla groups, and it sought to preserve capitalist…   economic structures and promote anti-communist policies.

Over the years, ARENA has been a major force in Salvadoran politics, holding the presidency for several consecutive terms from 1989 to 2009. During its time in power, the party focused on implementing neoliberal economic policies, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and deregulation of the economy. ARENA has advocated for a strong private sector as the engine of economic growth, emphasizing the importance of foreign investment and free trade agreements.

On social issues, ARENA has traditionally held conservative views, reflecting its alignment with the Roman Catholic Church on matters such as abortion and same-sex marriage. The party has been a staunch defender of traditional family values and has opposed efforts to liberalize laws related to these issues.

Security and anti-crime measures have also been central to ARENA's platform, reflecting the country's struggle with gang violence and crime. The party has supported tough on crime policies, including mano dura (firm hand) approaches, to combat gangs and reduce violence.

Despite its significant influence, ARENA has faced challenges and controversies, including allegations of corruption and connections to paramilitary groups during the civil war. The party's political dominance was challenged in the 2009 presidential elections when Mauricio Funes, the candidate from the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), won the presidency. This marked a significant shift in Salvadoran politics, although ARENA remains a key player, advocating for its conservative and pro-business values in the country's political landscape.