"Ortega criticizes Lula and Petro: Fracture in Latin American left."

In a new chapter in the politics of Latin America, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has unleashed strong criticism against his former allies Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Gustavo Petro of Colombia, in the context of the controversial presidential election in Venezuela where Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner. Ortega, who had maintained friendly relations with Lula and Petro for years, did not hesitate to label his colleagues as "subservient governments," reflecting a notable fracture in the Latin American left bloc. The controversy intensified following the results announced by Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), which formalized Maduro's victory in the elections of July 28. Since then, Brazil and Colombia, countries that had previously shown sympathy towards chavismo, have led international efforts to find a solution to the political crisis that erupted in Venezuela. Both leaders have proposed a repeat of the elections, an option that has been rejected by both Maduro's government and the opposition. Brazilian President Lula, in a radio statement, suggested that if Maduro had "common sense," he could call for new elections with an impartial electoral committee. This proposal was met with disdain by Ortega, who not only questioned Lula's loyalty to chavismo but also insinuated that Petro was trying to compete for U.S. influence in the region. The initial support from Lula and Petro for chavismo has been challenged by the political reality in Venezuela. Lula, in particular, has stated that while he does not classify Maduro's regime as a dictatorship, he acknowledges that there is a "government with an authoritarian bias." For his part, Petro has taken a more diplomatic approach and has advocated for a peaceful solution, but his statements have strained relations not only with Ortega but also with sectors in his own country that question Maduro's legitimacy. The situation is further complicated by recent meetings between Petro and Maduro, where both presidents have discussed issues of peace and cooperation. However, the tensions have forced Petro to openly criticize the lack of transparency in the Venezuelan electoral process, calling on Maduro for a detailed recount of votes that has never been presented. Petro's response to Ortega was forceful. In his statements, he emphasized that he does not compromise on the human rights of his people, in a clear reference to the situation of human rights violations in Nicaragua under Ortega's regime. This verbal exchange not only highlights the rift between these leftist leaders but also underscores the growing international concern over the human rights situation in the region. In this context, Cuba, through its President Miguel Díaz-Canel, has come to Maduro's defense, praising the "serenity" and "high democratic sense" of the Venezuelan government. However, Díaz-Canel has chosen not to pass judgment on the positions of Lula and Petro, which can be interpreted as an attempt not to exacerbate divisions within the Latin American left. As the crisis in Venezuela worsens, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) has also expressed its support for Maduro, calling on the international community to respect the "democratic will of the people." This statement comes in a context where protests in Venezuela have erupted, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 27 dead and around 2,400 detained. The complex political landscape surrounding Nicaragua, Brazil, and Colombia reflects not only the internal tensions of the Latin American left but also the difficulties in reaching a consensus on the best way to address the Venezuelan crisis. As loyalty lines are drawn and blurred, the future of cooperation in the region appears more uncertain than ever. With deteriorating diplomatic relations and rising protests in Venezuela, the impact of these disputes among leftist leaders could have repercussions that extend beyond their respective nations. The need for peaceful and constructive dialogue becomes imperative, not only for the well-being of Venezuelan citizens but also for the stability of the entire region. Recent history teaches us that ideological polarization and lack of communication only lead to further divisions, and the challenge now is to find a path toward reconciliation and peace in a context of growing distrust and confrontation.