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Nicolás Maduro makes a victorious gesture during his inauguration in front of his wife, Cilia Flores. Reuters
Maduro Announces Constitutional Reform Subject to Possible Public Referendum

Maduro Announces Constitutional Reform Subject to Possible Public Referendum

Venezuelan President Urges Military to 'Oil' Rifles Amidst Foreign Intervention Threats

Dagoberto Escorcia

Jueves, 16 de enero 2025, 17:55

Nicolás Maduro has announced the formation of a commission tasked with reforming Venezuela's Constitution, which would be subject to a "possible" public referendum, adding to the nine elections scheduled for 2025. Simultaneously, he warned the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) to prepare and "oil" their rifles in response to international intervention proposals made by former Colombian presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque. Meanwhile, the United States, Chile, and twelve other countries have issued a joint statement regarding the situation faced by the Venezuelan people.

Perhaps inspired by the recent measure taken by his ally Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua to amend the Constitution to consolidate power, appoint his wife, Rosario Murillo, as "co-president," and strip Nicaraguan nationality from those deemed "traitors," Maduro signed a document last Wednesday during his annual address to the nation. This document ensures the creation of a national, inclusive commission led by Tarek William Saab, the country's attorney general. Its goal is to reform the Constitution approved in 1999 by Hugo Chávez, which was then hailed as "perfect." The constitutional reform would be subject to a public referendum, although Maduro only stated that this would be "more than likely."

Days after assuming the presidency of Venezuela without presenting evidence of his electoral victory and amidst allegations of fraud in the July 28 elections, Maduro stated that the intention to reform the constitution is to "broaden democracy, define the societal profile, and build the foundation of the new economy." He added that the new Magna Carta would be powerful, clear, and luminous.

A New Satellite

In his speech, titled "Achievements and Victories 2024," the Chavista leader painted a splendid picture of the country's situation, with economic growth exceeding 9% and inflation at 48% compared to 198% in 2023. Maduro also announced the opening of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, aimed at developing Venezuela's export vocation, and a new satellite with China to provide Internet access.

He did not miss the opportunity to boast about other achievements of his regime: "If we have a country at peace, it is because we have defeated hatred, intolerance, coup attempts, fascism, and that victory belongs to all of Venezuela, to the good Venezuela," he declared. He then intensified his attack, insisting that he had defeated terrorist and mercenary violence: "We must show how we defeated the attempted mercenary infiltration. I mentioned a number, today it is higher. It is up to the Minister of Justice, more than 150 mercenaries from 25 nationalities are captured, convicted, and practically all have confessed in the hands of the Public Ministry and justice, actively collaborating. They are singing more than Pavarotti. They intended to fill public services with bombs," he claimed without providing any evidence.

He then targeted direct rivals by name: "Let us take seriously the criminal threats of the narco-paramilitary Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque, and let us prepare, oil the rifles because this sacred land will never accept the insolent boot of foreign paramilitaries or imperialists."

Uribe had called a few days ago, after Maduro's inauguration, for the United Nations to endorse an international intervention to dethrone the Chavista leader. Initially, Maduro reacted mildly, declaring that his country only wanted democracy, freedom, and reconciliation. However, in his address to the nation, Maduro was more defiant and urged the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) to monitor the borders with Colombia and Brazil.

Almost simultaneously, 14 countries belonging to the OAS warned about the situation in Venezuela and demanded that Maduro's dictatorial regime restore democratic order, rejecting the presidential inauguration of the Chavista leader on January 10 "for lacking democratic legitimacy and verifiable evidence of electoral integrity."

The countries, still rallying support for the Venezuelan opposition, which considers itself the winner of the elections and attacked by a "coup," include Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, the United States, Jamaica, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. Simultaneously, these countries invited the international community to continue supporting diplomatic, political, and humanitarian efforts to address the multidimensional crisis in Venezuela. Finally, as if disregarding Maduro's power, they urged him to restore democratic order "allowing a peaceful transition that respects the will of the people," and to release all "arbitrarily detained" individuals.

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todoalicante Maduro Announces Constitutional Reform Subject to Possible Public Referendum