Spain and Nicaragua Expel Each Other’s Ambassadors Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions
Spain and Nicaragua have exchanged expulsions of their respective ambassadors following Nicaragua's sudden removal of Spain's ambassador just weeks after his arrival, intensifying diplomatic tensions.
- • Nicaragua expelled Spanish ambassador Sergio Farré Salvá and deputy Miguel Mahiques Núñez after only 20 days in office.
- • Spain responded by expelling Nicaragua's ambassador Mauricio Carlo Gelli and another diplomat in retaliation.
- • Spain condemned the Nicaraguan expulsion as unjust and aims to maintain relations with the Nicaraguan people.
- • The expulsions deepen existing tensions linked to Ortega's regime, Spain's non-recognition of Ortega's re-election, and human rights concerns.
Key details
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Spain and Nicaragua have expelled each other's ambassadors in late January 2026. Nicaragua, under President Daniel Ortega's government, expelled the newly appointed Spanish ambassador Sergio Farré Salvá and his deputy Miguel Mahiques Núñez just 20 days after their arrival. The Nicaraguan authorities have not provided reasons for this unprecedented move.
In retaliation, Spain's Foreign Ministry, led by José Manuel Albares, declared the expulsion of Nicaragua's ambassador to Spain, Mauricio Carlo Gelli, along with another Nicaraguan diplomat, citing "strict reciprocity." Spain condemned Nicaragua’s decision as "unjust" and expressed intent to maintain ties with the Nicaraguan people despite the government’s actions.
This diplomatic crisis adds to a history of strained relations since Spain recalled its ambassador in 2021 following accusations of political interference by Ortega’s regime. Spain has also refused to recognize Ortega’s 2022 re-election and criticized Nicaragua's human rights record, granting asylum to political dissidents such as writer Sergio Ramírez.
These expulsions occur amid heightened international scrutiny of Ortega's close links to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and increasing criticism of Nicaragua's governance. The swift expulsion of ambassador Farré just weeks after his accreditation underscores the depth of the diplomatic rift.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
