Venezuela demands seven countries to withdraw their diplomatic staff after controversial elections.

Venezuela demands seven countries to withdraw their diplomatic staff after controversial elections.

Venezuela took this measure in rejection of its "interventionist actions and statements" regarding the elections in which Nicolas Maduro was proclaimed president.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Politics 30.07.2024

The Government of Venezuela has taken a significant step in its stance towards the international community by categorically demanding that seven countries immediately withdraw their diplomatic personnel from Caracas. This decision, officially communicated by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, comes in the context of the recent presidential elections, in which Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner. The demand is specifically directed at Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, which are accused of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs.


Venezuela argues that these countries have expressed positions that place them "subordinate to Washington" and are committed to "the most sordid ideological postulates of international fascism." This rhetoric, reminiscent of the government's narrative regarding U.S. influence in the region, suggests a climate of diplomatic tension that could have broader implications for relations between Venezuela and Latin America.


The government's statement is not only a response to international criticism regarding the elections but also reflects the increasing perception of vulnerability of Maduro's regime in the face of external pressure. With the opposition and a significant portion of the international community denouncing potential electoral fraud, the Venezuelan executive feels threatened and has decided to adopt a defensive stance. In this sense, the government has expressed its intention to defend its "inalienable right to self-determination" at all costs.


The electoral controversy is at the heart of this diplomatic conflict. The elections on July 28 resulted in 51.20% support for Maduro, who seeks to continue a mandate that has already faced severe criticism both locally and internationally. The opposition, led by Edmundo González Urrutia, has questioned the legitimacy of these results, leading the Venezuelan Prosecutor's Office to open an investigation that directly targets María Corina Machado, accusing her of concocting a plan to falsify the results.


The situation in Venezuela is further complicated by the Prosecutor's announcement, as such actions could intensify polarization in the country. The international community could view this as an attempt by the government to silence opponents and maintain authoritarian control over the political climate. In a context where trust in the electoral system has been eroded, these types of investigations could be seen as a form of retaliation against criticism.


From the perspective of international organizations, the Venezuelan government's demand to withdraw diplomatic personnel could be interpreted as an attempt to silence critical voices and consolidate an environment of acceptance of the election results. Such measures not only affect the relationship between Venezuela and the seven mentioned countries but could also have a domino effect on broader diplomatic relations in the region.


Maduro's re-election also raises questions about the future of democracy in Venezuela. With a regime that has been in power for over two decades and has faced numerous international sanctions, the country finds itself at a crossroads. The statements from the president of the National Electoral Council about an attack on the data transmission system have only increased doubts about the transparency of the electoral process, further complicating its legitimacy.


In this context, the position of the international community becomes crucial. The response from the countries accused by Venezuela could mark a turning point in how crises in Latin America are addressed. The risk of diplomatic isolation for Venezuela presents itself as a possibility, although this could also lead Maduro to seek closer alliances with countries that share his vision.


As Maduro's new mandate approaches, the challenges he faces will be significant. The climate of tension both internally and internationally suggests that the political situation in Venezuela will remain volatile. The recent history of the country indicates that solutions to its problems will not be straightforward and that the struggle for power will continue to be the central axis of political debate in the country.


All in all, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain. The elections and subsequent diplomatic demands are just the latest chapter in a narrative of crisis that has prolonged for years. The lingering question is how far Maduro's government is willing to go to maintain its control and how the international community will respond to this situation.

View All The Latest In the world