Does he deserve a seat at the RAE? Campaign launched against Sergio Ramírez’s candidacy The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) has proposed Nicaraguan writer Sergio Ramírez for a vacant seat, but a campaign has emerged urging reconsideration due to his past as vice president during Daniel Ortega’s 1980s dictatorship. A letter signed by 53 individuals, including prominent figures, accuses Ramírez of involvement in human rights violations and corruption, questioning his suitability for the esteemed literary position. Ramírez has defended his past, stating that his actions during the revolution should not be judged by today’s standards and questioning the authority of his critics.

• Sergio Ramírez has been proposed by the RAE to fill the seat vacated by Mario Vargas Llosa.
• A campaign has been launched by 53 people, including Juan Lorenzo Holmann and Medardo Mairena, to reconsider Ramírez’s nomination.
• Critics cite Ramírez’s past role as vice president during Daniel Ortega’s 1980s dictatorship, accusing him of involvement in human rights violations and corruption.
• A letter to the RAE’s director accuses Ramírez of complicity in grave human rights violations and calls for reconsideration of his candidacy.
• Ramírez has responded to the criticisms, stating that his participation in the revolution should be viewed in the context of the time and questioning his critics’ authority.
• Ramírez himself was later persecuted, denationalized, and exiled by Daniel Ortega during his second dictatorship.
• The election for the RAE seat is scheduled for May 21st. https://nicaraguainvestiga.com/politica/170501-merece-una-silla-en-la-rae-inicia-campana-contra-candidatura-de-sergio-ramirez/