Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega defended his wife and “co-dictator” Rosario Murillo, saying with laughter “How the dogs howl!” in reference to the criticism made by Nicaraguan opponents to the sanctioned and executing hand of the repression that the country is experiencing, during an event at the Hugo Chávez roundabout.
“What did Don Quixote say to Sancho? If the dogs howl, it is because we are walking and they hate that we are walking, because our companion has been nothing more than communicating the truth every day, about what is being done for the benefit of the people, the poor, the workers, the peasants, all sectors,” said Ortega.
During his speech, Ortega heaped praise on Murillo, who recently announced a state sweep disguised as an “institutional reorganization” that has left thousands of state workers unemployed. Murillo also implemented a law that seeks to link the remaining NGOs in Nicaragua to the State.
For political analyst Dora María Téllez, Daniel Ortega has become an “approver” of Rosario Murillo’s orders, who is in fact the brain behind the dictatorship that seeks to establish a dynasty in Nicaragua. Ortega has reduced his public appearances; however, Murillo is the one who dictates the government’s actions on a daily basis in her telephone, television and radio broadcasts.
“A coup d’état was intended to intimidate the people and turn them against the revolution and its achievements. They have no choice but to howl, because we are going to continue bringing well-being,” said Ortega, referring to the anti-government demonstrations since April 2018, which were repressed by the Sandinista police and paramilitaries on Murillo’s orders.
Laureano, the successor of the dictatorship?
At the same event, Daniel Ortega referred to his son Laureano Ortega Murillo as the “executor of the will of the people” and congratulated him for “opening the doors” between Nicaragua and China. “In the mission that we gave him to open these doors, with the People’s Republic of China, that mission is formally given to him by the presidency, but it is a mission that is ordered by the people,” said Daniel Ortega.
In recent years, the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has delegated the main functions linked to the state to their sixth son, Laureano, who is also portrayed by the media at the service of the regime as a family man, popular and with great diplomatic ties.
Related news: The State of Nicaragua will evaluate the “loyalty” of each worker before applying the sweep, says Dora María Téllez
Laureano Ortega Murillo was appointed advisor on investments, trade and international relations, has the power to sign trade agreements and represents the regime in China, Belarus and Russia. Unlike his father, Laureano dresses in luxury clothing, including a Rolex watch valued at 40 thousand dollars, as well as clothing from world-renowned brands.
He has also been seen at public events in the mayor’s office, such as the inauguration of parks, roads and fairs in Managua, which has led to the belief that he is Ortega’s successor, the son who will replace him in power. None of his other children have held important public positions in the State.
Ortega appeared in public for the delivery of new bus units to inter-municipal transport cooperatives, the anniversary of the takeover of the National Palace of Nicaragua and the National Literacy Crusade.