Tense relations between Spain and Nicaragua
The Spanish Government, led by Pedro Sánchez, is in the crosshairs for its intention to reestablish diplomatic relations with Nicaragua. According to Spanish media reports, the administration seeks to invite Daniel Ortega's regime to the XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will take place in Madrid on November 4 and 5.
The diplomatic situation between both countries is tense. Since January, there are no ambassadors in Managua or Madrid. This is due to the expulsion of the Spanish ambassador, Sergio Farré Salvá, by the Nicaraguan regime, to which Spain responded with the same measure. The lack of diplomatic representation has complicated dialogue between nations.
The European Parliament, in a resolution approved on February 13, 2025, condemned the repression of the Ortega and Murillo regime, especially against human rights defenders and political opponents. This position has generated strong rejection among Spanish MEPs at the possibility of Ortega or his officials being invited to the summit in Madrid.
Antonio López-Istúriz, MEP of the European People's Party, said that inviting the Nicaraguan regime would be a "serious political error." He recalled that Parliament has denounced the systematic violations of human rights in Nicaragua and demanded strong measures. "You cannot condemn a dictatorship in Strasbourg and at the same time open the door to it from a European capital," he stated.
Hermann Tertsch, Vox MEP, also criticized the possible invitation, calling the Spanish government's attitude towards regimes considered authoritarian "criminal complicity." Tertsch stressed that his group has denounced the intentions of inviting "criminals" to the summit, referring to Ortega and other leaders in the region.
Impact of the EU Association Agreement
The situation in Nicaragua has led to a debate on the Association Agreement between the European Union and Central America, signed in 2012 and in force since 2024. This agreement includes a human rights clause that links political and commercial cooperation to respect for democratic principles. Failure to comply could result in suspension of the agreement.
López-Istúriz emphasized that this clause must be applied without hesitation. "There can be no normal relations with a regime that has eliminated the rule of law," he said. Tertsch agreed, pointing out that the agreement has served to legitimize the Ortega regime, just as the political dialogue with Cuba has benefited the Castro regime.
Both MEPs agreed that the sanctions that the brutality of the Nicaraguan regime would require have not been applied. Tertsch mentioned that there is a majority in Parliament to implement effective sanctions, but the lack of political will has prevented their application. "Perhaps because they would have to also apply to Cuba, which is always protected by the influence of the Spanish left," he added.
International pressure on the Ortega regime is a recurring theme in the political debate. Tertsch affirmed that there is a willingness to support measures that seek to end authoritarian regimes in Latin America, mentioning the administration of Donald Trump as an ally in this fight. "Freedom will only advance to the extent that there is Trump's interest," he said.
López-Istúriz also highlighted the need for coordinated pressure at the international level. In the European Parliament, his group has defended the importance of strengthening individual sanctions and acting together with other democratic partners. This could open the door to closer cooperation with the United States and other allies to put real pressure on these regimes.
The situation in Nicaragua continues to be a hot topic internationally, with the European community closely watching the movements of the Spanish government and its stance towards the Ortega regime. The Ibero-American Summit in Madrid is shaping up to be a turning point in relations between Spain and Nicaragua, and the response of the international community will be key in the coming months.
The invitation to Ortega has not yet been officially confirmed.
