lexpress.fr
Nicaragua Approves Constitutional Reform, Extending Ortega-Murillo Rule
Nicaragua's National Assembly approved a constitutional reform, extending Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo's presidency until 2028 and making Murillo co-president. The changes centralize power, declare Nicaragua a socialist state, and allow the state to monitor the press and church. This follows the stripping of citizenship from hundreds of opponents and the creation of a civilian police force.
- What are the immediate consequences of Nicaragua's constitutional reform?
- Nicaragua's National Assembly approved a constitutional reform, making Rosario Murillo co-president alongside her husband, Daniel Ortega. Their term will be extended to 2028, and elections will now occur every six years instead of five. This reform, passed in November, centralizes power within the Ortega-Murillo regime.
- How does this constitutional reform impact the balance of power within Nicaragua's government?
- The constitutional changes solidify the Ortega-Murillo regime's power, extending their rule and establishing Nicaragua as a revolutionary socialist state. The reform also retroactively extends their term, incorporates the FSLN flag as a national symbol, and empowers the state to monitor the press and church for foreign influence. This follows a pattern of increasingly authoritarian actions since 2018.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this constitutional reform for human rights and democratic processes in Nicaragua?
- This constitutional reform signals a significant shift towards authoritarianism in Nicaragua. The government's actions, including the creation of a civilian police force and the stripping of citizenship from opponents, suggest a further crackdown on dissent and consolidation of power. International condemnation is likely to increase, potentially leading to further isolation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's headline and introduction primarily focus on the government's announcement and actions, framing the constitutional changes as a fait accompli. The language used in reporting Rosario Murillo's statement ('a new chapter of...blessing, freedom...') reinforces this positive framing. The criticisms from international organizations and exiled opposition are presented later, diminishing their immediate impact on the reader.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language, such as 'autocracy,' 'régressions,' and 'paramilitaires,' to describe the government's actions. These terms reflect a negative viewpoint and lack neutrality. Neutral alternatives could include 'consolidation of power,' 'changes to civil liberties,' and 'volunteer security forces.' The use of the government's description of the reforms as a 'blessing' without critical analysis also contributes to language bias.
Bias by Omission
The article presents the Nicaraguan government's perspective prominently, but omits perspectives from significant opposition groups who have been exiled or silenced. The lack of dissenting voices creates an unbalanced view of the constitutional reforms. The omission of detailed accounts of the 2018 protests and their aftermath beyond a brief mention of the death toll also limits a complete understanding of the context surrounding the current changes. While acknowledging space constraints, the absence of these perspectives constitutes a bias by omission.
False Dichotomy
The article frames the situation as a choice between the government's narrative of strengthened democracy and the opposition's claims of authoritarianism, neglecting the complexities of Nicaraguan politics and the potential for alternative interpretations of the constitutional changes. The reform is presented as either a 'blessing' or a 'regression,' oversimplifying the wide range of potential consequences.
Gender Bias
While the article mentions both Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo equally in their roles, the description of Murillo as 'six years his junior' and the focus on their relationship may perpetuate gender stereotypes by emphasizing her role in relation to her husband rather than her own political actions and power. More attention should be given to the political maneuvering done by Ms. Murillo to understand the political landscape more accurately.
Sustainable Development Goals
The constitutional reform in Nicaragua concentrates power in the hands of President Ortega and Vice President Murillo, undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law. The reform allows for indefinite rule, retroactively extending their current term, and establishes state surveillance of the press and church, suppressing dissent and freedom of expression. The creation of a civilian police force, reminiscent of the paramilitary groups used to repress protests in 2018, further strengthens the government's control and weakens accountability. These actions severely restrict civil and political liberties, contradicting the principles of peace, justice, and strong institutions.