Sandinista Daniel Ortega becomes president of Nicaragua and vows to continue the transformation to socialism and alliance with the Soviet Union and Cuba; American policy continues to support the Contras in their revolt against the Nicaraguan government.

The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN): A Detailed Overview

The Sandinista National Liberation Front, known by its Spanish acronym FSLN (Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional), is a prominent socialist political party in Nicaragua. Its adherents and members are commonly referred to as Sandinistas [sandiˈnistas] in both English and Spanish, a designation that pays homage to a pivotal figure in Nicaraguan history. The party's name is a direct tribute to Augusto César Sandino, a revered Nicaraguan revolutionary and national hero who valiantly led the resistance against the United States occupation of Nicaragua during the 1930s. Sandino's anti-imperialist stance and innovative guerrilla tactics profoundly influenced future generations of Nicaraguan revolutionaries, including the founders of the FSLN.

The FSLN achieved a monumental political victory in 1979 when it successfully overthrew the long-standing, authoritarian regime of Anastasio Somoza DeBayle, thereby bringing an end to the Somoza dynasty, which had governed Nicaragua for over four decades, often with substantial backing from the United States. Following this revolutionary triumph, the FSLN established a new, revolutionary government.

The Sandinista Government: 1979-1990
Having seized power, the Sandinistas governed Nicaragua from 1979 until 1990. Their initial administrative body was the Junta of National Reconstruction, which included a diverse range of political figures. However, after the resignation of several centrist members from this Junta, the FSLN consolidated its influence, taking exclusive power in March 1981.
During their first period in power, the Sandinista government instituted several transformative social programs aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nicaraguans. These included:
  • Mass Literacy Campaign: One of their most ambitious initiatives was the "Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade" (Cruzada Nacional de Alfabetización), which dramatically reduced the national illiteracy rate from over 50% to approximately 13% within a few years, a remarkable achievement that garnered international praise.
  • Healthcare Expansion: Significant resources were dedicated to public health, leading to the expansion of healthcare services, the establishment of new clinics, and a notable reduction in infant mortality rates.
  • Promotion of Gender Equality: The FSLN also championed policies aimed at promoting greater gender equality, advocating for women's rights and their increased participation in public life.
Despite these progressive social policies, the Sandinista government faced considerable international criticism for alleged human rights abuses. Reports from organizations like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights cited instances of extrajudicial killings, mass executions, and the forced relocation and oppression of indigenous peoples, particularly the Miskito communities in the country's Atlantic Coast region.
The Contra War and International Intervention
In 1981, a US-backed insurgent group, known as the Contras (short for "contrarrevolucionarios" or counter-revolutionaries), was formed with the explicit goal of overthrowing the Sandinista government. This group received substantial funding, training, and logistical support from the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), leading to a protracted and brutal civil war. The scale of US involvement was highlighted by controversies such as the Iran-Contra affair, which revealed illegal US funding of the Contras.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, general elections were held in Nicaragua in 1984. While the FSLN secured a clear majority of the votes, some opposition parties boycotted the election, citing concerns over the fairness and transparency of the process given the civil war conditions. Nevertheless, those opposition parties that did participate managed to win approximately a third of the seats in the legislature.
The devastating civil war between the Contras and the Sandinista government continued relentlessly until 1989, causing immense human suffering and economic damage. After revising the constitution in 1987, and following years of intense fighting, the FSLN ultimately lost the 1990 general election to Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, who led a broad opposition coalition supported by the United States. Despite this electoral defeat, the FSLN managed to retain a significant plurality of seats in the national legislature, indicating continued political influence.
The FSLN's Resurgence and Current Status
After 17 years out of power, during which various other parties won elections, the FSLN made a significant political comeback. In the 2006 Nicaraguan general election, former FSLN President Daniel Ortega was reelected as President of Nicaragua with 38.7% of the vote, narrowly defeating his leading rival who secured 29%. This victory ushered in the country's second Sandinista government. Ortega and the FSLN have since maintained their dominance, being reelected in the presidential elections of 2011, 2016, and 2021, leading to concerns from international observers regarding democratic erosion and the consolidation of power.

Daniel Ortega: A Revolutionary's Journey and Enduring Power

José Daniel Ortega Saavedra (Spanish pronunciation: [daˈnjel oɾˈteɣa]), born on November 11, 1945, is a prominent Nicaraguan revolutionary and politician. He has served as President of Nicaragua since 2007, marking a significant return to power after his initial tenure. Previously, Ortega was a key leader in Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, first as the coordinator of the Junta of National Reconstruction (1979-1985) and subsequently as President of Nicaragua (1985-1990).

Following the retirement of Fidel Castro in 2008, Daniel Ortega became one of the longest-serving non-royal rulers globally and the longest-serving non-royal leader in the Americas, underscoring his remarkable political longevity and enduring influence in the region.

First Presidency and Ideological Stance (1979-1990)
In the 1984 Nicaraguan general election, Ortega successfully won Nicaragua's presidential election as the FSLN's candidate. During his first period in office, Ortega, then a self-declared Marxist-Leninist, pursued an ambitious program of social and economic transformation. His policies included widespread nationalization of key industries, comprehensive land reform aimed at redistributing agricultural land to peasants, and significant wealth redistribution programs. He was also a driving force behind the impactful Nicaraguan Literacy Campaign mentioned earlier, which greatly expanded access to education.
As a leading figure in the Sandinista National Liberation Front, Ortega actively implemented policies designed to achieve broad leftist reforms across Nicaragua, aiming to dismantle the old socio-economic structures and create a more equitable society.
Ideological Evolution and Return to Power
In the years following his initial presidency, Ortega's previously radical left-wing politics underwent a noticeable moderation. He began to pursue more pro-business policies, signaling a shift from strict socialist economic models. Notably, he also sought rapprochement with the traditionally conservative Catholic Church, a significant ideological pivot for a leader whose party had historically espoused atheism. This shift was underscored by his government's adoption of strong anti-abortion policies in the 2000s and his increasing use of religious rhetoric in public discourse.
Marred by a devastating civil war with the Contras and severe economic collapse, Ortega was defeated in the 1990 Nicaraguan general election by Violeta Chamorro. Despite this setback, he remained an influential figure in Nicaraguan opposition politics, continuing to lead the FSLN. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 1996 and 2001, demonstrating his persistent ambition for the highest office.
Ortega eventually triumphed in the 2006 Nicaraguan general election, signaling his return to the presidency. This victory was facilitated in part by a controversial electoral reform (the "pact" with former President Arnoldo Alemán) that lowered the percentage of votes needed to win in the first round to 35%, making his 38.7% victory sufficient.
Second Presidency and Current Controversies
During his second period in office, Ortega forged strong alliances with fellow Latin American socialist leaders, most notably Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Under Ortega's leadership, Nicaragua joined the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA), an economic and political alliance promoting regional integration based on a socialist model. However, Ortega's later years in power have been marked by increasing authoritarianism and severe repression.
Amnesty International and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States have extensively reported on Ortega's government engaging in a violent oppression campaign against protesters in response to the anti-Ortega protests that erupted from 2018 to 2021. These protests, initially sparked by social security reforms, quickly escalated into broader demands for Ortega's resignation and democratic reforms. The government's violent crackdown, which included the use of police and pro-government paramilitary forces, resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and arbitrary detentions, alongside a significant decrease in civil liberties.
The severe repression and human rights abuses have led to massive waves of migration, particularly to neighboring Costa Rica, where over 30,000 Nicaraguans have filed for asylum, underscoring the profound political and humanitarian crisis facing the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FSLN and Daniel Ortega

What is the FSLN?
The FSLN, or Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional, is a socialist political party in Nicaragua. It gained prominence by overthrowing the Somoza dictatorship in 1979 and governed Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990. After a period in opposition, it returned to power in 2007 with Daniel Ortega as President and has been the dominant political force since.
Who was Augusto César Sandino?
Augusto César Sandino was a Nicaraguan revolutionary leader who fought against the United States occupation of Nicaragua in the 1930s. He became a national hero for his anti-imperialist stance and guerrilla warfare tactics, and the FSLN is named in his honor.
What social reforms did the Sandinistas implement in the 1980s?
During their first period in power (1979-1990), the Sandinistas implemented significant social reforms including the highly successful Nicaraguan Literacy Crusade, which drastically reduced illiteracy, expanded public healthcare services, and promoted policies aimed at gender equality.
What were the Contras?
The Contras were a group of counter-revolutionaries, largely funded and trained by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), formed in 1981 to overthrow the Sandinista government. Their conflict with the FSLN led to a prolonged civil war in Nicaragua throughout the 1980s.
How long has Daniel Ortega been President of Nicaragua?
Daniel Ortega first served as the leader of Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, initially as coordinator of the Junta and then as President. He was reelected President in 2006 and has continuously served since 2007, winning subsequent elections in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
What are the main criticisms against Daniel Ortega's recent government?
Ortega's government has faced significant international criticism, particularly since 2018, for its violent repression of anti-government protests, severe human rights abuses, crackdown on civil liberties, and the suppression of political opposition. These actions have led to widespread international condemnation and a large wave of Nicaraguan asylum seekers.