Rosario Murillo

Rosario Murillo, born on June 22, 1951, is a prominent Nicaraguan poet, writer, and politician. She has held significant political roles, including Co-president of Nicaragua alongside her husband, Daniel Ortega, since February 2025. Prior to this, she served as Vice-President from January 10, 2017, to 2025, and as First Lady during two separate terms, from 2007 to 2025 and from 1985 to 1990.

Throughout her political career, Murillo has been a key figure in the Nicaraguan government, taking on various roles such as lead spokesperson, government minister, and head of the Sandinista Association of Cultural Workers. She has also served as the Communications Coordinator of the Council on Communication and Citizenry, shaping the narrative of the Ortega administration.

However, her tenure has not been without controversy. Critics, including journalist Nahal Toosi and members of the Nicaraguan opposition, have labeled her and her husband as dictators presiding over an authoritarian regime. Since assuming the Vice Presidency, the couple has been accused of suppressing political freedoms and eliminating dissent, consolidating power within the executive branch.

In August 2021, Murillo faced personal sanctions from the European Union due to allegations of human rights violations, further complicating her legacy. As a central figure in Nicaragua's political landscape, her influence continues to be a subject of intense debate.