Rosario Murillo

Biography

Rosario María Murillo Zambrana was born on June 22, 1951, in Managua, Nicaragua. She studied at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, developing an interest in literature and politics. Murillo started as a poet and cultural activist, getting involved with the Sandinista movement during the revolutionary period of the 1970s. Her literary work and political activities went hand in hand as she took leadership roles in cultural organizations supporting the Sandinista cause.

Murillo married Daniel Ortega, a key figure in the Sandinista National Liberation Front who later became President of Nicaragua. During Ortega's first presidency from 1985 to 1990, she was First Lady and stayed active in cultural and communications activities. After the Sandinistas lost power in 1990, Murillo kept writing poetry and remained engaged in party politics during the opposition years. She played a bigger role in party communications and media strategy.

When Ortega became president again in 2007, Murillo returned as First Lady but took on more governmental responsibilities. She was the Communications Coordinator of the Council on Communication and Citizenry and became the main spokesperson for the government. Her role in the administration grew significantly, leading many to see her as a co-leader rather than just the president's spouse. In 2016, Ortega chose her as his vice-presidential running mate, and she took office on January 10, 2017.

As Vice President, Murillo had considerable power over government communications, policy implementation, and party matters. The Ortega-Murillo administration faced growing international criticism for limiting political opposition, civil society organizations, and press freedom. In 2021, the European Union imposed personal sanctions on Murillo for human rights abuses. The couple's hold on power culminated in 2025 when they took on the new position of Co-president, officially sharing leadership of Nicaragua.