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Does the Left have a Future in Latin America?

Why has left-wing politics lost ground in Latin America and what does the future hold?

Thousands of Nicaraguans have been taking to the streets this week to protest against the killing of anti-government demonstrators. They say Daniel Ortega’s Sandinista Front (FSLN) has betrayed the people in whose name it once fought. For President Ortega - a one-time revolutionary icon - the demonstrations highlight a significant shift. With the Castros out of power in Cuba, and other giants of the Left dead or in jail, Mr Ortega is the last of a generation of Latin American revolutionaries still in office. Ritula Shah and her guests discuss why left-wing politics lost ground in Latin America, and what the future holds for leftist politics in the region.

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50 minutes

Last on

Sat 5 May 2018 11:06GMT
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Contributors

Jon Lee Anderson -Β writer for The New Yorker magazine who has travelled extensively in Latin America.

Christopher Sabatini -Β Professor at Columbia University and Director of the think tank for Latin America, Global Americans.

Gioconda Belli - poet, novelist and political activist. She was a Sandinista but is now an opponent of Nicaragua's President Ortega.

Also taking part:

Enrieth Martinez - taking part in anti-Ortega protests in Nicaragua

Cynara Menezes -Β editor ofΒ Brazilian website 'Socialista Morena', highlighting progressive causes

Photo

Demonstrators sing the national anthem during a protest against the government of President Daniel Ortega, in Managua, on April 25, 2018. Credit: Getty Images

Broadcasts

  • Fri 4 May 2018 08:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except News Internet
  • Fri 4 May 2018 17:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Australasia
  • Fri 4 May 2018 23:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except News Internet
  • Sat 5 May 2018 03:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Australasia & News Internet
  • Sat 5 May 2018 11:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Americas and the Caribbean, East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa

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