Claims of coup d'etat

The FMLN government in El Salvador is making claims that elements on the right are attempting to foment a coup to destabilize and overthrow the government.  Describing it as "obscure groups" advancing a "black hand strategy,"  the FMLN asserts that these anti-government plots are being advanced through social networks.   They described it as an attempt to foment a "soft coup" and not necessarily a violent overthrow using the armed forces.

The right wing ARENA party has reacted angrily to the accusations and demanded that the government show its proof of any plan against the government.   To date, the government has not publicly shown any proof.

I am no fan of the right wing parties in El Salvador.    But it seems to me that talk of coups is a pretty transparent attempt by the FMLN to rally the party faithful at a time when the government's popularity is slipping because of its failure to address the public security problems in the country.  

Comments

Carlos X. said…
Totally agree. Additionally, it is reprehensible because it destroys what little social fabric exists and tends to create structural polarization that will set in and impede the very social cohesion the government (and Salvadoran society) need to confront the scourge of criminal violence.
Academics also use the concept of a "white coup." It is where the military does not have to overthrow the civilian government because the civilian government gives it everything it wants anyway. That has clearly happened in El Salvador, starting under Funes, and Sanchez Ceren has been an active participant in abdicating his authority and responsibility.

Why would the military support the overthrow of the nominally leftist party that gives the FAES more than Cristiani, Calderon Sol, Flores, or Saca ever did?
Carlos X. said…
Lawrence, is it your opinion that the military has received power that extends beyond a charge to carry out a law enforcement mission that is arguably outside its bailiwick?
The government's public security policy is outside of the Constitution and the peace accords. This might be viewed as "one thing," but keeping the military out of internal security was the KEYSTONE of the peace accords. It all falls to pieces without this.