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Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino reaffirmed the military’s “absolute loyalty” to President Nicolas Maduro amid a contentious presidential election.
Let’s bring you up to speed: The recent Venezuelan presidential election has been plagued by significant controversy, with opposition leaders and major world leaders claiming widespread fraud. Edmundo Gonzalez, the opposition candidate, asserts he won over 6 million votes compared to incumbent President Nicolas Maduro’s 2.7 million. In response to these allegations, protests and riots have erupted nationwide, leading to a tense and volatile situation. Some police and military personnel have reportedly defected to the opposition, adding to the instability.
What the Defense Minister said: In a statement, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said, “We ratify our absolute loyalty to citizen Nicolás Maduro Moros. These fatuous and irrational calls seek to break our unity and institutionality, but they will never achieve it.”
What prompted the Defense Minister to come out: The Defense Minister’s comments come after opposition leaders Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado issued a public letter urging Venezuela’s military to reject President Nicolas Maduro and stand with the people. This letter called on the armed forces to support the opposition’s claim that Gonzalez had won the election.
Criminal investigation launched: Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, has announced a criminal investigation into presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia and opposition leader María Corina Machado. Saab stated that the investigation began after both leaders issued a letter urging the military to overthrow President Maduro. The Ministry has accused them of various crimes, including falsely announcing election results, usurping official functions, and inciting insurrection and unrest.
