“The people of Venezuela spoke strongly on July 28 and chose Edmundo González as President-elect. Democracy requires respect for the will of the voters,” said the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on social media.
The US administration of Joe Biden had previously stated that González received the most votes in the elections, but without officially recognizing him as President-elect.
The European Union (EU), which has not yet officially recognized González, said on Monday that it will consider sanctions against the regime of Nicolás Maduro due to the deterioration of the situation in Venezuela and after considering that the President-elect did not win declared. the elections”.
At a press conference in Brussels, after the meeting of the 27 foreign ministers, the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, announced that the European Union will “review the system of sanctions” against governments “that do not consider that they have won elections”. .”
“We do not recognize his legitimacy and we will continue to support the Venezuelan people in their democratic struggle”, said the European diplomatic leader.
This initiative is in line with the intention to increase pressure on Caracas in the run-up to January 2025, when Maduro is expected to begin a new term as president.
Borrell met with the opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, to whom he offered European support for Venezuela’s democratic aspirations and stressed that he considered him the winner of the elections, “according to the available data”.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy has indicated that the EU is “still united” in rejecting Maduro, whom it does not recognize as a democratically elected President, because the National Electoral Council (CNE) did not present detailed results supports the announced results. .
On the other hand, Borrell welcomed the release of the “political prisoners” by the Maduro government and declared that the EU will continue to seek freedom for all those still in prison, especially those who are European citizens.
A total of 131 Venezuelan political prisoners, held after the July 28 presidential elections, have been released by authorities since Saturday, according to the non-governmental organization (NGO) Punishment Forum.
After the releases, 1,700 people are still detained in the country for political reasons, according to the same source.
Venezuela held presidential elections on July 28, after which the National Electoral Council (CNE) awarded the victory to the current President of the country, Nicolas Maduro, with just over 51% of the votes, and the opposition claims that their candidate, former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia. received almost 70% of the votes.
The Venezuelan opposition and many countries have denied electoral fraud and demanded that voting records be presented for independent verification.
The election results were contested in the streets, with demonstrations suppressed by the security forces, with, according to the authorities, more than 2,400 arrests, 27 deaths and 192 injuries.
How does grassroots support influence political legitimacy in Venezuela’s current climate?
Interview: Navigating Venezuelan Politics
Host: [Time.news Editor]
Guest: [Expert on Venezuelan Politics]
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re delving into a pivotal moment in Venezuelan politics following the recent election of Edmundo González. Can you provide some context on the significance of his election and the international response so far?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Edmundo González’s election is historic, as it reflects a strong desire for change among the Venezuelan populace. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted, democracy hinges on respecting voters’ decisions. However, the response from global powers has been mixed. While the U.S. acknowledged González as the candidate who received the most votes, they have yet to officially recognize him as President-elect.
Editor: That’s interesting. It seems there’s a deliberate hesitation from the U.S. What implications might this have for González’s administration?
Expert: This hesitation could significantly impact his legitimacy both domestically and internationally. Without official recognition, González may face challenges in rallying international support, securing aid, and establishing credibility on the world stage, especially as Nicolás Maduro’s administration continues to assert its control.
Editor: The European Union’s stance is particularly striking. They’ve mentioned potential sanctions against Maduro’s regime. What do you think their strategy signifies?
Expert: The EU’s approach reflects a commitment to supporting democratic processes in Venezuela while holding the Maduro regime accountable for electoral integrity. By threatening sanctions, they intend to apply pressure on the current government and signal their recognition of González’s claims based on available data. Josep Borrell’s meeting with González indicates a clear intention to support the opposition and democratic aspirations.
Editor: How do you see these tensions evolving as we approach Maduro’s expected new term starting in January 2025?
Expert: The lead-up to January will likely be fraught with tension. If Maduro goes ahead with his plans for a new term without international acknowledgement of the electoral outcomes, it could exacerbate political instability. Both the U.S. and EU may continue to escalate their measures against Maduro, potentially leading to increased protests and calls for reform from the Venezuelan people.
Editor: The situation is incredibly complex. Can you talk about the importance of grassroots support for González and how it plays into this larger geopolitical challenge?
Expert: Absolutely. Grassroots support is crucial for González’s legitimacy. If he can galvanize public backing, he can strengthen his position against both the Maduro regime and any potential international skepticism. It’s vital for him to connect with Venezuelans on issues like economic recovery and human rights to build a resilient movement advocating for long-term democratic governance.
Editor: In light of all this, what do you consider the most pressing challenges González will face in his presidency?
Expert: Firstly, economic recovery is paramount. Venezuela has endured severe economic contraction, and addressing inflation and shortages will be critical. Secondly, he must navigate the complex political landscape, balancing external pressures with internal divisions among opposition factions. Lastly, restoring trust in democratic institutions will require transparency and a commitment to human rights—essential for paving the way to stable governance.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial to keep a watchful eye on these developments. We appreciate your expertise!
Expert: Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.
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Editor: Thank you, audience, for joining us for this engaging discussion. Stay tuned for more updates on Venezuelan politics and international relations.