Colombian President Gustavo Petro has cast doubt on the legitimacy of Venezuela’s presidential elections held on July 28, 2024, alleging that the Maduro government prevented a free and transparent process. The comments reach as regional tensions rise and underscore the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. Petro is also calling for a period of transition in the country, emphasizing the necessitate for political dialogue and legal security for investors.
In a post on X, the president stated that, following concerns about the Venezuelan elections, he and the Brazilian government decided “not to recognize the Maduro government” and that “there was no personal contact until the end.”
Petro also revealed his personal involvement in negotiations with the Biden administration, which ultimately failed to yield a resolution. “I personally participated in negotiations between Biden and Maduro, but they failed: they didn’t lift the sanctions and the people voted under extortion of hunger,” he wrote.
Prior to the election, Petro said he told Maduro that “he should be measured by the will of the people.”
“Maduro and his friends were addicted to power, the oil spell, which began with Chávez, did not allow them to abandon peacefully,” he added.
Petro denounces oil dependence
Addressing Venezuela’s reliance on oil, Petro criticized the historical management of the resource and its impact on the country’s politics. “The Chávez revolution was lost despite its great popularity due to his death and leaving Venezuela dependent on oil,” he stated.
Drawing a comparison with Colombian politics, Petro argued, “I defend a path without hydrocarbons in Colombia. That’s why the Maduro government resembles Uribe more than my government.”
“The logic of oil revenue does not generate either socialism or wealth, it only attracts missiles as we have already seen,” he warned.
Petro insisted that Venezuela needs a period of transition combining effective governance with political agreements, and a vision for a post-oil future. “Venezuela needs a period of transition where it governs and reaches a political agreement and dialogue, hopefully thinking about what a post-oil Venezuela will be like,” he said.
The Colombian president stated his country will support Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting president, in stabilizing the country and building trust among citizens.
“Now we will help Delcy to stabilize Venezuela and create that climate of trust among Venezuelans,” he said.
