The president of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, in the middle, embraces the Venezuelan leader Diosdado Cabello under the watchful eye of the First Lady Rosario Murillo during a celebration of the Sandinista Revolution in Managua, July 2013
Daniel Ortega has not hesitated in denominating the recent protests that have shaken Nicaragua to its core over the past three months as terrorist acts carried out by members of “satanic sects” – people who have been convinced by the devil that Ortega is the enemy. “Many temples were occupied like barracks to store arms, bombs, and to attack” the president affirms.
There is another possibility however: that he is in fact misguided enough to believe his narrative will be accepted by people out with his closest circles. Ortega has shown signs of craftsmanship and astuteness in order to remain in power.
