Nicaragua's first lady to get a promotion

Okay, the opposition is a little off the rails (“absolutist, totalitarian and without respect for the law” - one out of three ain't bad?) but the Ortega's move to consolidate power in Nicaragua should concern people. From The Guardian:

Ortega, a guerrilla turned politician, is hoping to win a third consecutive term for the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) by running on a ticket with Rosario Murillo, who currently serves as the government’s communications chief.

The 70-year-old politician ruled the Central American country from 1979-1990 after his Sandinista movement overthrew the US-backed Somoza regime. Since Ortega was returned to office in 2006, the first lady has played an active and high-profile role in his government, leading to accusations that she is already his de facto deputy.

Murillo, 65, who is known for her idiosyncratic blend of socialism, Roman Catholicism and new age beliefs, is credited with overhauling both her husband’s image and that of the movement he leads. The combat fatigues, red-and-black flags and fiery rhetoric have been replaced with civilian attire, pink campaign posters and less confrontational messages.

After the FSLN announced the couple’s joint candidacy, Ortega hailed his choice of running mate as proof of the country’s commitment to equality. “We talked about who could take on the vice-presidency to carry on the good work of this country’s government,” he said. “It had to be a woman and who better than our colleague Rosario, who’s gone about her duties with a lot of efficiency, discipline, dedication and commitment?”

Ortega and Murillo are popular. They have done some good things for the people of Nicaragua. They are unlikely to resort to mass repression (at least their history doesn't say that they will). Opposition parties are a mess and have contributed to the lack of a democratic alternative. I get all that. Murillo is also just earning a formal title for what she has already been doing these last few years.

However, the power couple's move into the presidency, when the family has already moved into a number of the country's businesses and media outlets, cannot be seen as a positive for Nicaragua and democracy in the Western Hemisphere.