The citizen surprise in Oviedo now has an explanation. An Asturian businessman has placed five advertisements on billboards at the entrances and exits of the capital of Asturias featuring the image of the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele. In the ads, the leader appears with the sash in the colors of the South American country, a blue handkerchief on the lapel of his blazer, and his hand next to his temple, in a gesture reminiscent of a military salute. Above the image, a strong message: “Nayib Bukele. Universal President!”.
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This is not an international advertising campaign promoted by the Salvadoran government, but the admiration that businessman Tino Vidal, dedicated to the advertising world, has for Bukele. Born in Luarca and a resident of Oviedo since childhood, at 71 years old he wanted to make his admiration for Bukele public. “I know his speeches by heart, he is the best president in the world. He really knows how to govern a country.” The businessman defines the initiative as a personal tribute and assures that the photos have even reached the environment of the Salvadoran president. Vidal recounts that he was able to get them to him through a mutual acquaintance. The businessman’s initiative has reached the municipal political sphere through social networks where PSOE and VOX have clashed again.
The Oviedo councilor from PSOE, Juan Álvarez, stated: “At first glance it seems surreal. But no: it perfectly reflects what we are facing. The cult of the leader and the fascination with authoritarianism. From now until the elections on the 27th, we will see things we would not believe possible. Let’s see if people come to their senses.” A message that received a response from the far right. The municipal spokesperson for Vox in the Oviedo City Council, Sonsoles Peralta, pointed out on her social networks: “For years El Salvador was subjected to the terror of the maras and that must have seemed like a great democracy to you. Some of you are more bothered by those who end fear than by those who cause it.”
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Seen in Oviedo.
At first glance it seems surreal. But no: it perfectly reflects what we are facing. The cult of the leader and the fascination with authoritarianism. From now until the elections on the 27th, we will see things we would not believe possible.
Let’s see if people come to their senses👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/K7X1jNLbJ0— Juan Álvarez (@jalvarezareces) August 19, 2026
As a counter-reply, the socialist councilor compared the security levels of Asturias and El Salvador. “Asturias maintains a crime rate and general security indices considerably more favorable and stable than those of Bukele’s El Salvador.” The socialist’s reaction to the Asturian businessman’s initiative also caught the attention of former Vox deputy Macarena Olona, who took the opportunity to invite Álvarez to meet him. “Councilor, don’t get heated. The next time he gives a conference in Oviedo about the Bukele Security Model, you are invited. That way you will understand why posters of the president appear in Spain.” The billboards appeared just over half a year before the elections on February 28, 2027. There are 51 Salvadorans registered in Oviedo.