Officialist radio station admits Daniel Ortega's physical frailty despite the secrecy of the Nicaraguan family regime

The Nicaraguan dictator appeared again after 68 days away from public events; he walked slowly, spoke little, and mistook a bouquet of roses for a microphone (Video capture)A radio station aligned with Nicaragua's regime published an opinion column that unusually acknowledged Daniel Ortega's physical deterioration, after the leader reappeared following 68 days without public events. The text stated that the ruler arrived at a platform with a "wavering step," but highlighted that he fulfilled his duty despite his state of health. The piece, signed by Margin Gutiérrez and published on Thursday, November 12, was presented as a tribute for the Sandinista leader's 81st birthday. It asserts that Ortega, with a long political career and a record of imprisonment during Anastasio Somoza's dictatorship, suffers lingering physical consequences from that period."It is true, he walked with a wavering step to reach the platform, but what matters is that he overcame his state of health," the column states. The text also mentions ailments in his spine and joints, though it does not specify medical diagnoses or provide official information about his condition. The pro-government column that acknowledged Daniel Ortega's physical deterioration after 68 days of public absence. On Sunday, November 9, two days before his birthday, Ortega took part in Managua in a tribute to Carlos Fonseca Amador, founder of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). It was his first public appearance in 68 days, one of the longest absences since he returned to power in 2007. The official footage showed the leader with slow movements and limited participation during a ceremony that lasted about 20 minutes. Ortega uttered barely a few sentences, while his wife and co-leader, Rosario Murillo, remained at his side throughout the event. In the videos broadcast by pro-government media, the Nicaraguan dictator appeared frail and confused during the tribute. On more than one occasion, he brought a bouquet of roses to his mouth as if it were a microphone, even though he was wearing an audio device clipped to his shirt. The scene fueled questions about his health and revived speculation about a possible succession within the ruling family. A pro-government radio station acknowledged Daniel Ortega's physical deterioration after his reappearance (Photo courtesy of Nicaraguan state channels)Neither Ortega nor Nicaragua's government institutions offered an explanation for the 68 days during which the leader remained out of the public agenda. The official secrecy about his state of health contrasts with the references in the pro-government column, which admitted his physical limitations while presenting them as proof of political will. Ortega walked with short steps, displayed a pale appearance, and spoke with a slower cadence than in previous appearances. The state broadcast avoided close-ups and favored wide shots during the ceremony. Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo walk surrounded by supporters during the commemoration of a Sandinista holiday, and young people took the opportunity to sing an early birthday tribute to him. Daniel Ortega does not celebrate with them and moves forward slowly."The outlet's decision to give space to an opinion article that openly acknowledges that Daniel Ortega is in a deplorable state is surprising, especially because it totally contradicts the communication strategy imposed by Rosario Murillo in recent days, which is based on evading the topic of the caudillo's health and ordering the creation of AI-generated fake images to show him as far more vital and energetic than he actually is," reports the outlet Nicaragua Investiga. The reappearance came amid growing doubts about the continuity of power in Nicaragua. Murillo has for years held a central role in official communications and in the regime's structure, while Laureano Ortega Murillo, the presidential couple's son, has gained visibility in international and economic affairs.