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The fragile relationship between Nicaragua and Spain has entered a critical phase following an unexpected exchange of diplomatic expulsions.
In just 24 hours, both governments have ordered the departure of their respective ambassadors, in a gesture of maximum tension that puts the efforts to rebuild a relationship marked by years of reproaches, international condemnations, and accusations of interference on hold.
The current crisis not only leaves both legations without representation, but also reflects the deep deterioration between the government of Spain and the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega.
Chain expulsions: The immediate trigger
This Sunday, the government of Nicaragua ordered the expulsion of the Spanish ambassador in Managua, Sergio Farré Salvá, as well as the second chief of the diplomatic delegation, Miguel Mahiques Núñez.
The measure was described as "unjust" by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prompted an immediate reaction.
In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, Spain ordered the departure of the ambassador of Nicaragua in Madrid, Mauricio Carlo Gelli, and another Nicaraguan diplomat.
"The Government of Spain will continue to work towards having the best relations with the brotherly people of Nicaragua," emphasized the Ministry in a statement, attempting to distance itself from the regime.
The Spanish ambassador had been appointed just a few weeks earlier, in December, and had presented his letters of credentials in early January.
The expulsion, therefore, occurred just as he was beginning his diplomatic activity in the Central American country.
"The expulsion is particularly noteworthy due to the short tenure of the ambassador," highlighted Euronews.
For his part, Mauricio Carlo Gelli confirmed to EFE that he was already outside of Spanish territory after being notified on Sunday.
“Spain has reciprocated towards me,” he declared before embarking on his return to Managua, with a stopover in Rome.
Opaque motives and repressive context
So far, neither the government of Nicaragua nor its Foreign Ministry has offered a formal explanation regarding the reasons behind Farré's expulsion.
“The reasons for the expulsion have not been clarified by the Nicaraguan authorities”, several Spanish media outlets agree.
The absence of official arguments fuels the perception of arbitrariness and political repression by the Ortega government.
The expulsion also occurs in a context of strong international condemnation of the regime's practices.
Organizations like the United Nations have warned that in Nicaragua "basic and fundamental guarantees have been eliminated with the reforms undertaken by Ortega," while the international community broadly rejected the 2021 presidential elections, in which Ortega declared victory for the fourth consecutive time.
In 2023, the Nicaraguan government expelled and stripped hundreds of opponents, former officials, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists of their nationality. Spain, in a diplomatic gesture, offered citizenship to many of them, which the regime viewed as a provocation.
Recurrent Crisis: A History of Tensions
This new episode adds to a long history of tensions between Madrid and Managua.
Since 2018, when the massive protests against Ortega and the systematic repression of the Nicaraguan government began, Spain has maintained a critical and consistent stance.
In 2021, the Spanish government withdrew its ambassador in Managua, María del Mar Fernández-Palacios, following what it described as “serious and unfounded accusations” from the Nicaraguan regime.
Ortega's Foreign Ministry had accused Spain of interference, even alluding to the GAL and the situation in Catalonia as a form of political attack.
In March 2022, when Spain tried to restart the relationship by sending its ambassador again, Nicaragua denied the agrément. In response, Spain withdrew its proposal, and Managua, in turn, recalled its ambassador in Madrid.
It seemed then that relations were freezing over for good. An attempt at normalization occurred in July 2022, when a new Spanish ambassador, Pilar María Terrén, was appointed and managed to present her credentials in February 2023. However, the fragile balance has been disrupted once again.
Spain and the condemnation of the Ortega regime
In March of last year, the Spanish Congress approved a non-legislative proposal to condemn "the systematic violation of human rights in Nicaragua," demand the immediate cessation of repression, and promote new European sanctions against Ortega's regime.
The initiative received support from both the government and the opposition, reflecting a political consensus in Madrid regarding the seriousness of the situation in the Central American country.
Spain's stance has been clear: no recognition of the 2021 elections, support for the democratic opposition, and outright rejection of the repressive policies of the Ortega-Murillo regime.
As a result, diplomatic relations have been characterized by distrust and confrontation, which has now escalated into an open crisis.
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