dinero_admin The Government of El Salvador, in its commitment to ensure the welfare of the population, has achieved a historic milestone in the protection of consumer rights. The Defensoría del Consumidor (DC) reported that, from june 2019 to date, US$144.8 million has been recovered to benefit more than 571 thousand people throughout the country. This figure, the highest ever recorded in the institution, reflects the continuous work to resolve conflicts and demand compensation in the face of abusive commercial practices.
Secretariat of the Presidency
Ricardo Salazar, president of the CD, highlighted that this achievement includes not only the restitution of money to those affected, but also the imposition of significant fines on offending companies. “We have applied rigorous economic sanctions to ensure compliance with the law. Last year alone, fines exceeded US$2 million, focused on resolving issues such as improper charges, misleading advertising and the sale of expired products”, said Salazar.
The fines imposed are part of a comprehensive strategy to deter irregular practices. Among the most recurrent cases are those related to financial services, telecommunications, and the sale of basic goods.
The amount recovered has made it possible to return resources to low-income households, small entrepreneurs and users affected by contractual breaches. In addition, the institution has strengthened mechanisms for virtual complaints and in-person attention, making it easier for more citizens to demand their rights at no cost.
With these results, the Government reaffirms its focus on social justice and economic transparency. Salazar said that legal reforms will be promoted to increase penalties for repeat offenders, while educational campaigns to empower consumers will be expanded. El Salvador is thus consolidating a model where the defense of citizens’ rights translates into tangible economic benefits.
