"Miss Universe Victory Unveils Nicaragua's Political Rift"

Nicaragua's government initially celebrated the victory of Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios in the Miss Universe competition, but their joy turned to anger when it was revealed that Palacios had participated in protests against the regime in 2018. Ordinary Nicaraguans, who are largely forbidden from protesting, took the opportunity to celebrate in the streets using the national flag, which angered the government. The opposition hailed Palacios' win as a victory, while the government condemned it as an attempt to undermine their regime. Nicaragua has been marked by government repression, with thousands fleeing into exile and the closure of universities and civic groups.