Venezuela: Armed Forces reject González Urrutia's call and reaffirm loyalty to Maduro.

The climate of tension in Venezuela intensifies following the recent statements by Edmundo González Urrutia, who, by self-proclaiming himself president after denouncing irregularities in the elections, has prompted a vehement condemnation from the Bolivarian National Armed Force. This controversial episode occurs within a context where Nicolás Maduro's regime faces increasing internal and external pressures as the opposition seeks a way to challenge the status quo.

In a statement broadcast on state television, Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino expressed the Armed Forces' indignation at what they deemed an act of "despicable politicking." The forceful reaction of the armed forces reflects not only loyalty to President Maduro but also a desire to maintain control and unity within the military ranks, a key element in Venezuela's power structure.

González Urrutia's call for the military to recognize him as president was labeled "comical" and "ridiculous," highlighting the regime's strategy to minimize any challenge to its authority. This response not only underscores the intense political polarization in the country but can also be interpreted as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and reaffirm the official narrative that the government has unbreakable support.

The Armed Forces have played a fundamental role in consolidating Maduro's power, and their loyalty is seen as an essential pillar of the regime. The swearing-in ceremony scheduled for January 10, 2025, where Maduro seeks to solidify his third term, becomes a crucial event that could define the country's trajectory in the coming years. This act is set to take place in Parliament, which remains under the control of the ruling party, highlighting the lack of plurality and political diversity in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, the opposition, represented by figures such as María Corina Machado and González Urrutia himself, faces a complicated landscape. Their attempts at mobilization and denouncing electoral fraud clash with the harsh reality of a system that not only resists criticism but also attacks those who dare to question its legitimacy. This climate of repression jeopardizes any progress toward a democratic transition.

The Armed Forces' messages of loyalty are not just a reflection of defending the regime but also a clear warning to the opposition that any attempt to destabilize the government will be met with force. General Padrino's statement, reaffirming commitment to Maduro, suggests that the possibility of a peaceful change in the country's leadership is, for now, a distant horizon.

The international community watches this development closely, especially in a context where relations between Venezuela and several countries have been tense. The rejection of González Urrutia's self-proclamation not only has implications within Venezuelan borders but could also affect the world's perception of the legitimacy of Maduro's government. International sanctions and pressures could intensify, further complicating the country's situation.

In this framework, the challenge for the opposition is not only to achieve a change in the presidency but also to find effective ways to mobilize civil society and build a narrative that resonates with citizens. However, constant repression and fear of reprisals make opposition strategies increasingly difficult to implement.

As Maduro's regime prepares for its swearing-in, the lingering question is whether the current tensions will lead to greater international isolation and a deeper crisis or if the context will allow for an opening that facilitates dialogue and reconciliation in a country worn down by years of polarization and conflict. Venezuela's political history continues to be written, and the upcoming chapters will be crucial in defining its future.