Jorge Rodriguez re-elected as Venezuela's National Assembly president

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Jan 2025 21:25

The president of Venezuela's National Assembly was re-elected to his post for two more years in a session attended by foreign guests and indigenous representatives.

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National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez waves as he walks to Congress before the ceremony to open the legislative year in Caracas, Venezuela, on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (AP)

The National Assembly of Venezuela re-elected Jorge Rodriguez Gomez as its president for the 2025-2026 legislative term, supported by an overwhelming majority.

The session commenced with Rodriguez formally declaring his victory, citing the presence of the necessary quorum and introducing special foreign guests, indigenous community representatives, and newly elected Justices of the Peace. The event marked the beginning of the fifth term of office for the assembly.

Tania Diaz, head of the Patria Block, proposed the ratification of the current parliamentary leadership, noting that 2024 concluded "in peace and much joy." She added, "It is time for victory, and we are going for more." Diaz expressed gratitude to the Venezuelan people for their resilience and belief in the country's Revolution, calling the new parliamentary stage a continuation of Commander Hugo Chavez's vision.

Rodriguez, reaffirmed as president, emphasized the importance of dialogue and peace, declaring, "Peace is with us... Dialogue will be with us, the free exchange of ideas will be the mark of the future we are building." He highlighted the upcoming January 10 swearing-in of re-elected President Nicolas Maduro, referring to him as "the driver of victory and a leader of continental significance."

Moreover, speaking on the issue of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, Rodriguez underlined that Caracas is "obligated to apply the law to Edmundo Gonzalez," stressing that if he were to set foot on Venezuelan soil, "We will arrest him on charges of treason and usurpation of power."

Pedro Infante and America Perez were re-elected as first and second vice presidents, respectively. The secretary and deputy secretary positions were reaffirmed, with Maria Alejandra Hernandez and Jose Omar Molina continuing in their roles.

From the opposition bench, Juan Carlos Alvarado, Anyelith Tamayo, and Alfonso Campos were nominated for president, first vice president, and second vice president, respectively, while Jesus Albornoz and Jan Mariel Villarroel were proposed for secretary and deputy secretary roles. However, these candidates did not secure the majority required to surpass the incumbents.

Diaz emphasized the Parliament's responsibility, stating, "On January 10, we will receive the driver of victory, the continental leader who has the courage to lead Venezuela to the vanguard of the struggles of the people against fascism, hatred, and violence."

Rodriguez condemns Israeli genocide in Gaza

The President of Venezuela's National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez in November denounced the genocide in Gaza committed by "Israel", expressing Venezuela's unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Speaking at the World Anti-Fascist Parliamentary Forum in Caracas, Rodriguez condemned the violence against Palestinians and highlighted the role of international military interests in fueling the genocide.

"Every hospital that is bombed, and every university and school that is destroyed, highlights what the American military-industrial complex is doing for war profiteers," Rodriguez stated, strongly criticizing the global entities supporting the Israeli atrocities.

He noted that those supplying bombs, planes, and missiles are as complicit as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he accused of directing violent actions in Gaza.

Venezuela was among the early nations to condemn "Israel's" actions in Gaza.