MRS FOCUSED ON LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, MUNICIPAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 000956 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/16/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR NU SUBJECT: MRS FOCUSED ON LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS Classified By: Ambassador Paul Trivelli for reasons 1.4 (b and d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Sandinista Renovation Movement (MRS) deputies are focusing on the party's legislative agenda and rallying supporters for the municipal elections, according to MRS Deputies Enrique Saenz, Victor Hugo Tinoco and Tinoco's alternate, Hugo Torres. They are also using "volunteers" to assist them with their work in the National Assembly. The MRS Deputies commented on Liberal caudillo Arnoldo Aleman's continued power in Nicaragua and their view of Daniel Ortega's presidency. END SUMMARY ¶2. (C) Poloff and INR analysts met with MRS Deputies Enrique Saenz, Victor Hugo Tinoco and Tinoco's alternate, Hugo Torres, on March 20. According to Saenz, the MRS is focusing on two fronts: strengthening the alliance of parties that make up the MRS and pursuing the party's legislative agenda. Saenz stated that they plan to look for allies within different parties in the National Assembly on an "issue by issue" basis. Key MRS legislative concerns are increasing the minimum wage and energy issues. ¶3. (C) According to Tinoco, the MRS offers the best democratic option for Nicaraguans and the best chance to oppose the FSLN. He believes that to succeed, opposition to the FSLN must "come from the left." Saenz stated, however, that the MRS will continue to work with the ALN on certain issues. He commented that Eduardo Montealegre is still tainted by the CENIs (debt bonds) issue and that there would probably be some kind of announcement or action against Montealegre after Easter. MRS Relying on Volunteers - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶4. (C) Saenz reported that the MRS is tapping supporters, especially lawyers, to work as unofficial assistants on the party's legislative agenda. The MRS is unable to pay them, but a number of people are helping by analyzing and evaluating proposed legislation. Saenz said that more supporters would be needed to help with municipal elections. MRS Take on Aleman - - - - - - - - - - ¶5. (C) Tinoco commented that the expansion of Arnoldo Aleman's "house arrest" to all of Nicaragua is a sign of the continuing strength of the pact; in fact, he believes it is stronger than ever. Tinoco believes that Ortega cannot imagine being out of power. Ortega "released" Aleman to accomplish several short term and long term goals, according to Tinoco, which include PLC support for FSLN candidates for the Fiscalia and constitutional reforms. Ortega's Scheming - - - - - - - - - ¶6. (C) The MRS deputies believe Ortega's political machinations constitute an "authoritarian project" which is gaining strength. Saenz said he fears that Ortega will pacify the business community and the small and medium-size producers by allowing a certain amount of economic freedom and by taking actions that benefit those sectors so no one will stand up to him as he consolidates political power. Torres stated that Ortega and wife Rosario Murillo are "pulling all the strings." He added that they have a number of people who are in their "inner circle" who they manipulate by creating tensions among them. He emphasized that Ortega and Murillo maintain a very strong relationship. ¶7. (C) Torres commented that he holds hope for the future of the military. Omar Halleslevens, Chief of the Nicaraguan Army, and Torres were schoolmates and Torres respects him. He believes that Halleslevens will be able to stand up to Ortega. Torres also assessed that Police Chief Aminta Granera is very capable, politically astute, and has effected great changes within the police. ¶8. (C) On Venezuela, Saenz stated that Nicaraguans recognize the importance of the relationship with the United States, but if Venezuela's promises become reality, the relationship with the U.S. will be less important. TRIVELLI