Nicaragua Braces for Succession as Ortega‘s Health Declines, Wife Consolidates Power
Managua, Nicaragua - Nicaragua is increasingly focused on the potential transition of power from president Daniel Ortega to his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, amid growing concerns about Ortega’s deteriorating health. Reports of the 78-year-old leader’s declining condition, including difficulties walking and a pale countenance, have fueled speculation about his ability to continue governing. Exiled doctor Richard Sáenz, who previously attended the presidential family, alleges Ortega suffers from lupus and renal insufficiency.
Ortega’s recent absences from public events, notably the May celebrations commemorating national hero Augusto Sandino, have amplified these rumors. Academic Pineda observed that Ortega’s recent public appearances demonstrate a “notorious…deterioration” due to age.
Murillo’s ascent has been marked by a parallel expansion of her influence within the government and the military. She now holds de facto military command, recently presiding over the promotion ceremony for army officers – a traditionally presidential role. Ortega attempted to justify his wife’s increased authority, stating, “Women have joined all fields.”
Analysts suggest the timing of this power shift might potentially be linked to the approaching one-year anniversary of the death of Humberto ortega, Daniel’s brother and former army chief.Gonzalo Carrión, an exiled human rights activist, noted this possibility to AFP. Humberto Ortega was placed under house arrest in May 2024 after expressing doubts in a foreign media interview about the ability of Daniel Ortega’s children to maintain power should he die.
Murillo’s rise began after Ortega returned to power in 2007, initially serving as a government spokesperson and then as Vice President.Her influence grew alongside events that weakened Ortega’s position, including a 1998 accusation of sexual abuse against him by his stepdaughter, Zoilamérica Narváez, and the violent suppression of opposition protests in 2018, which resulted in approximately 300 deaths.
The Ortega-Murillo family has solidified its control over key sectors of Nicaraguan society. All of the couple’s children, wiht the exception of Zoilamérica, currently hold positions within the government or state-owned companies. Laureano Ortega is particularly prominent, managing ties with Russia and China, both crucial allies for Nicaragua.
“Unfortunately Nicaragua is the North Korean version of the Western Hemisphere,” stated analyst Pappier, highlighting concerns about the consolidation of power within the family.
