Political tensions in Venezuela rise following Cabello's accusations against Márquez.

Political tensions in Venezuela continue to escalate, with the first vice president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Diosdado Cabello, making serious accusations against the opposition figure Enrique Márquez. In a recent television program, Cabello claimed that Márquez is deeply involved in a conspiracy plan aimed at destabilizing Nicolás Maduro's government. This statement comes amid growing social discontent and protests that have intensified following the recent presidential elections. Cabello, known for his confrontational style, has not held back in his remarks about Márquez, who was a candidate in last Sunday’s elections. According to the Chavista leader, the opposition figure is "filled with hatred, resentment, and envy" towards Maduro, which, in his view, makes him a key player in this alleged conspiracy. These assertions not only mark a new chapter in the country's polarized political narrative but also reflect the government's strategy to delegitimize its adversaries. The situation is further complicated by the figure of Juan Barreto, another former ally of Chavismo who has distanced himself from the current government. Barreto, who supported Márquez in the recent elections, has been labeled by Cabello as part of a "garbage of politics" that accompanies the opposition in its efforts to challenge the government. This connection between two political figures who were once part of the same coalition suggests a deeper rift in the political fabric of Venezuela. Márquez, for his part, has responded to Cabello's accusations by focusing his critique on the irregularities of the National Electoral Council (CNE). In a message published on the social media platform X, the opposition figure claimed that a supposed "hack" of the data transmission system has cast doubt on the transparency of the elections. This incident has fueled suspicions about the legitimacy of the electoral process and has stoked the flames of distrust towards the country's institutions. With 96.87% of the minutes transmitted by the CNE, Maduro was proclaimed the winner with 51.95% of the votes, while his main competitor, Edmundo González Urrutia, received 43.18%. However, the opposition, grouped in the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), has denounced the manipulation of results, asserting that their own data indicates a clear victory for their candidate. This discrepancy between the official results and the minutes published by the opposition has created a breeding ground for protests in various localities across the country. Márquez's denunciation of the lack of transparency is not a minor issue. Trust in the electoral system is crucial for political and social stability, and any signs of irregularities can trigger mass protests. With the election results still in dispute, the situation is becoming more volatile. The opposition's demand for the publication of the counting minutes adds to the call from many Venezuelans for greater transparency and justice in the electoral arena. The international community is also closely monitoring these developments. Countries such as Argentina, the United States, and Peru have expressed concern over the political situation in Venezuela and have called for constructive dialogue. However, the government continues to reject any calls for negotiation, reinforcing the perception that it is in a defensive posture against internal and external criticism. Meanwhile, demonstrations in the streets have begun to take shape, with citizens demanding answers to allegations of fraud and lack of transparency. These protests are indicative of the growing social discontent that could jeopardize Maduro's government in the coming days. The connection between politics and the daily lives of Venezuelans is becoming increasingly evident, and the pressure on the government to be held accountable is undeniable. In this context, Diosdado Cabello's statements and Enrique Márquez's response are just the beginning of a chapter that promises to be tumultuous. Polarization is intensifying, and as protests unfold across the country, Venezuela's political future appears uncertain. The struggle for legitimacy and recognition of the electoral results will continue to dominate the agenda both nationally and internationally.