| 100 Days of Ortega International Living Postcards--your daily escape Monday, April 23, 2007 In his first 100 days in office, Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega received strong praise for his handling of the economy, but widespread criticism for his "authoritarian" style of governing. The latest poll puts Ortega's approval rating at 61%, and long-time detractors express confidence that the Sandinista leader will not make the same drastic changes as he did in the 1980s. Many also say that the returning president deserves credit for slashing government salaries and providing more money for health and education of the poor. Yet, a diverse number of groups claim that Ortega is failing on most counts of governing democratically. From the left, the Sandinista Renovation Movement contends that Ortega has tried to pass a number of laws that will consolidate his power. "His authoritarian tendencies are worrisome," said the group, which includes many former Sandinista leaders. The criticisms largely match prominent civil society and conservative groups who have complained about Ortega from the beginning. In a review of the first few months that he returned to power, Movement for Nicaragua points to nine separate examples of Ortega's "authoritarian tendencies," ranging from his verbal attacks on the media to the secretive spirit that surrounded the signing of new accords with Iran and Venezuela. The group also charges that the president broke seven constitutional laws in his brief time in office. Ortega's defenders say that the criticisms sound borrowed from the campaign trail, when many warned that his leadership would return Nicaragua to its war-torn past. But even conservative economists agree that there is no serious threat that the returning government will impose a state-run economy and nationalize properties again. As a result, there have been few signs of investor flight. Indeed, the head of Nicaragua's Central Bank said that financial deposits were at an all time high in the first two months that Ortega returned to the presidency. Some are concerned that this may change if Ortega chooses a more radical economic course laid out by Venezuela's fiery President, Hugo Chavez. They warn that any increasing isolation could scare off outside investors. Ortega has repeatedly stated that he welcomes foreign investment, as long as it helps the poor. The newly-formed Association of Nicaraguan Investors and Developers said that the new government has been very open to working with foreign entrepreneurs and expects the good relations to continue. Suzan Haskins P.S. If you'd like firsthand information about Nicaragua direct from our country insiders, sign up for our Nicaragua First Alerts. Whenever news breaks in Nicaragua about living, investing, retiring, and more in this country, we'll tell you first. Plus, it's free. | |
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