JANUARY 16, 2025 — Nicaragua‘s government has officially incorporated the red-and-black flag of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) into its list of national symbols, reports Diario Cambio 22.
The constitutional amendments, approved in their second legislative session on Wednesday, January 15, redefine the country as a “revolutionary, free, sovereign, and independent state.”
The reforms assert that state power is exercised directly by the people, guided by the presidency, which now coordinates the legislative, judicial, and electoral bodies, as well as other autonomous entities. This centralization of authority marks a significant shift in Nicaragua’s governance structure.
Among the various amendments, the reform to Article 13 of the Constitution formally recognizes the FSLN flag, alongside the blue and white national flag and the anti-imperialist banners of General Augusto C. Sandino, as official national symbols.
The move reflects the deep historical and political ties of the ruling Sandinista party, led by President Daniel Ortega, who has been in power since 2007.
This decision forms part of a broader constitutional reform package passed by the National Assembly. The United Nations, the Organization of American States, and several countries, including the United States, have condemned the changes, citing concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and human rights.
The National Assembly, dominated by the FSLN, plans to complete the discussion of each article by January 30.
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