Nicaraguan president sworn in for new term


MANAGUA -- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega was sworn in for a new presidential term on Monday.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega (L) and Vice President Rosario Murillo attend the swearing-in ceremony for a new presidential term in Managua, Nicaragua, Jan. 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo were reelected in the last general election in November last year.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Plaza de la Revolucion, northwest of the capital Managua. After being sworn in to the new five-year term and receiving the presidential sash from the head of the National Assembly, Gustavo Porras, Ortega swore in his cabinet.

In his inauguration speech, Ortega thanked the solidarity of countries such as China in helping tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ortega said that in the new term, his government will continue to fight alongside the people to fulfill its commitment to eradicating poverty and hunger, and to improving the living conditions of Nicaraguan families.

In the general elections on Nov. 7, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which nominated Ortega and Murillo for a new term, won more than 75 percent of the vote.

It was Ortega's fifth electoral victory and fourth consecutive victory since he first ran for president in 1984 and was elected as president in 1985.