Word: ortega
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...trees (in this case, metal poles decorated with strings of lights and various other ornaments) serves as an eternal celebration of the Sandinista government's victory over the energy deficit inherited from the previous administration, at least according to Omar Cabezas, the ombudsman for the administration of President Daniel Ortega...
...make that point even clearer, each tree is now topped with an illuminated "30" to mark the 30th anniversary of the victory of The Sandinista National Liberation Front over the repressive U.S.-backed Somoza dynasty. Nicaragua's continual Christmas theme is also appropriate because President Ortega governs Nicaragua a bit like Santa Claus. Not because he is jolly or has a tummy like a bowl full of jelly (Ortega is very serious and has kept in remarkably good shape for a 63-year-old), but because the Sandinista boss uses gifts to keep people in line, and always double checks...
...avoid the proverbial lump of coal in their stockings is to stay on Murillo's "nice list," which is more exclusive than her husband's. As the head of government propaganda, Murillo is also the one in charge of the Christmas decorations. (Read a story about the Ortega sex scandal...
...country "full of poets and surrealism," Carrion says. Sandinista lawmaker and union boss Gustavo Porras has no patience for such naysayers. "We are in the second phase of the revolution," he says, "and we are fighting the same enemies as always - the oligarchy and the gringos." Porras, an Ortega loyalist, is a main architect in the government's constant mobilization and celebration. He insists the streets of Nicaragua belong to the Sandinistas, and must be claimed and occupied in whatever form - through protests, celebrations or tree-decorating parties...
Arguello's relationship with the Sandinistas also became strained, as Murillo appointed several yes-men to run the mayor's office. On several occasions, city council meetings were run by Arguello's handlers in his absence. His main function as mayor seemed to be to sit behind Ortega at Sandinista rallies and stand and wave to the crowd when announced by name...