Monday, April 23, 2018

In the face of deadly violence, Nicaragua's president cancels social security overhaul

Pray for brother Pastor Donald Dolmus and his family. Donald is near this violence and in danger. Donald translates Dr. David Reagan and Bill Salus articles into Spanish.
Nicaragua's president on Sunday withdrew changes to the social security system that had triggered several days of deadly protests and looting. President Daniel Ortega said in a message to the nation late Sunday that the National Social Security Institute's board of directors had canceled the changes that were implemented April 16.
The overhaul was intended to shore up Nicaragua's troubled social security system by both reducing benefits and increasing taxes. But the changes touched off protests across the Central American nation that escalated into clashes with police as well as looting and vandalism. The demonstrations appeared to expand to include broader anti-government grievances.

Human rights groups said at least 26 people were killed in several days of clashes. Dozens of shops in the Nicaraguan capital of Managua were looted during unrest that extended into Sunday. Ortega announced the cancellation of the overhaul accompanied by business executives who account for about 130,000 jobs and millions of dollars in exports. (Read More)