CIVICUS, a global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society, recently sat down with Guillermo Miguelena Palacios, director of the Venezuelan Progressive Institute, to discuss the current situation in Venezuela following the US intervention. The Venezuelan Progressive Institute is a think tank that promotes spaces for dialogue and democratic leadership in the country.
On 3 January, the world watched as a US military intervention culminated in the arrest and extradition of President Nicolás Maduro, who had stayed in power after a controversial election in 2018. The move was met with both support and criticism, with some seeing it as a necessary step towards restoring democracy in Venezuela, while others viewed it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
In the interview, Palacios shared his thoughts on the situation and the potential implications of the US intervention. He began by acknowledging the deep political and economic crisis that Venezuela has been facing for years, which has resulted in widespread poverty, food and medicine shortages, and a mass exodus of its citizens.
“Venezuela has been in a state of turmoil for far too long,” Palacios stated. “The people have been suffering, and it is time for a change.”
He went on to explain that the Venezuelan Progressive Institute has been working towards promoting dialogue and democratic leadership in the country, but the current political climate has made it challenging to achieve these goals.
“The Maduro regime has been suppressing any form of dissent and silencing the voices of those who speak out against it,” Palacios said. “This has created a climate of fear and division among the people.”
When asked about the US intervention, Palacios expressed cautious optimism. He acknowledged that while it may have been a controversial move, it could potentially lead to positive changes in Venezuela.
“The US intervention has sent a strong message to the Maduro regime that the international community will not stand by and watch as the people of Venezuela suffer,” Palacios stated. “It has also opened up the possibility for a peaceful transition of power and the restoration of democracy in our country.”
He emphasized the importance of international support in this process and urged other countries to join in the efforts to bring about change in Venezuela.
“We need the support of the international community to help us rebuild our country and create a better future for our people,” Palacios said. “We cannot do this alone.”
Palacios also addressed concerns about the potential consequences of the US intervention, such as increased tensions and violence in the country. He reassured that the Venezuelan Progressive Institute is committed to promoting non-violent means of achieving change and urged all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue.
“We must remember that our ultimate goal is to create a better future for Venezuela and its people,” Palacios stated. “Violence will only hinder our progress and cause more suffering.”
In conclusion, Palacios expressed his hope for a peaceful and democratic future for Venezuela. He called on all citizens to come together and work towards rebuilding their country and creating a better future for generations to come.
“The people of Venezuela have shown resilience and strength in the face of adversity,” Palacios said. “It is time for us to unite and work towards a brighter future for our country.”
The interview with Guillermo Miguelena Palacios sheds light on the current situation in Venezuela and the potential implications of the US intervention. It is clear that the people of Venezuela have been suffering for far too long and that change is necessary. The Venezuelan Progressive Institute, along with other civil society organizations, is working towards promoting dialogue and democratic leadership in the country. The US intervention may have been a controversial move, but it has opened up the possibility for a peaceful transition of power and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. It is now up to the international community to support this process and help the people of Venezuela rebuild their country. Let us all come together and work towards a brighter future for Venezuela.
