Waiting for Ortega’s departure

Public servants who pretend to be “danielistas” reject the hunt for opponents, but remain silent while waiting for the end of the government they work for.

“At least 55% of the staff I work with are against repression, patrols and the police siege. They are against this government, and they want it (Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo) to leave as soon as possible, but they understand that it will not come before the end of its constitutional period, because they do not see how to force them to leave power prematurely,” says a mid-level professional who asked to be called Josefo to protect his identity.

One of the reasons for that doubt is that “they do not see many actions that indicate that we have leadership within the opposition, so they are only waiting for what can happen through the electoral route,” he says.

Josefo says that the sector that supports the Daniel Ortega regime “does expect to be swept away in a change of government, but the rest expect that they will continue in their positions because they have experience, and have not been involved in anything that compromises their moral quality, their values ​​, and principles ”.

For Steve, a graduate professional who collects relevant information so that his superiors can make decisions, the crackdown, the patrols, the police siege, “are desperate measures to keep the opposition at bay. They are his last shots ”, and although he expects that“ Ortega will leave ”, he knows that“ he will fight to stay, and that implies greater repression and revenge ”.

About the opposition, he thinks “that their fight is fair, but unfortunately, they have people who are pulling strings for their own benefit, and they believe that the poor people are puppets.”

Referring to their future job as public servants, Steve says that his co-workers know that “there will be persecution for some. Layoffs for many of us and ‘release’ (fired) for several. We want to continue working where we are, with the same conditions, and benefits, but without persecution or psychological pressure. If they don’t fire us, ” he concludes,” enough and plenty.”

“Many, more than half, are not happy with what they make us do, but the street is tough, so we play their game,” said Steve.

Confidencial, for its report,  spoke with six public servants who work for entities, offices and ministries that are attached to two of the three branches of the State. All spoke on condition that their identity is preserved anonymously. Read the full article (in Spanish) here.