Nicaragua makes Daniel Ortega and his wife Murillo ‘copresidents,’ fueling democratic rebuke
Associated PressFEB 1
Nicaragua Approves Constitutional Reform Establishing Co-Presidency
Above: Supporters of Nicaragua's now Co-Pres. Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo hold their pictures during a march to mark International Women's Day in Managua, on March 8, 2023. Image copyright: Oswaldo Rivas/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Nicaragua's National Assembly unanimously approved on Thursday a constitutional reform to make Pres. Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice Pres. Rosario Murillo, co-presidents of the country and to grant them new powers.
The executive power will coordinate "the legislative, judicial, and electoral bodies" under this new system, and Murillo is set to become the Nicaraguan president without new elections if Ortega dies.
Co-presidents will also be able to appoint an unlimited number of vice presidents without election requirements, prompting speculation that the Ortega-Murillo children could be picked.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This amendment formalizes the dynastic dictatorship already in place in Nicaragua, further expanding the Ortega-Murillo family's hold on power and granting them full control over all branches of power in the country. If anyone still had any doubt, it's clear now that Nicaragua has turned into a tropical North Korea.
Establishment-critical narrative
This amendment is part of a broader constitutional overhaul that represents a crucial — and historic — step forward for Nicaraguan citizens. Nicaragua's constitution is being updated to give the people prominence and power, consolidate their rights, and reaffirm the country's independence and sovereignty.
Metaculus Prediction
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