Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro reaffirmed on Thursday that the country will stand firm against any attempt to undermine its political system or national independence. His remarks came during a visit to the Simón Bolívar Commune in the 23 de Enero district, where he reviewed the outcomes of the November 23 National Popular Consultation.

Maduro told attendees that the Bolivarian project belongs to ordinary Venezuelans rather than elite groups, saying it is "popular, not of the bourgeoisie." He insisted that the nation remains sovereign, stable, and in control of its own future. According to him, a broad alliance has emerged "in defense of the peace of the nation," and he described the homeland as "sacred," stressing the obligation to protect it.

Sovereignty asserted

Addressing critics abroad, Maduro urged those "who threaten Venezuela" to focus instead on the problems inside their own borders. He argued that Venezuelans understand their priorities and that the recent participatory exercise demonstrated that "the people nominate and the people decide," with the chosen initiatives intended to strengthen sectors such as health care, transportation, security, sports, and the productive economy.

Maduro dismissed outside pressure, saying that external aggression will not produce results and that those who act against Venezuela "are respected by no one." He further said that the political model shaped by Venezuelans themselves represents "the most beautiful, broadest, and most complete democracy."

#EnVideo📹| Jefe de Estado @NicolasMaduro precisó:

“¡Soy el Presidente de la clase obrera, no del imperialismo ni de las oligarquías y, por eso, se me ataca incesantemente. Allá ellos con sus ataques, nosotros con nuestro poder!”

En ese contexto, destacó que el poder nacional… pic.twitter.com/fMoEANR7Be

— RicardoInforma (@RicardoInterni1) November 27, 2025

He reiterated that his administration refrains from intervening in the domestic affairs of other nations and only responds "when we are attacked," insisting that such responses are rooted in truth.

Concluding his address, Maduro declared that "Venezuela must be respected," noting that the country continues moving forward within a historic vision inspired by Simon Bolívar.

Demanding regional respect

His remarks coincided with diplomatic efforts, when Foreign Minister Yvan Gil met with UN Resident Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla on Thursday to denounce rising military threats in the Caribbean.

During the meeting, Gil reiterated the Bolivarian Government’s concerns over military threats affecting the Caribbean and stressed the urgency for the United Nations system to adopt a firm stance in defense of Latin America as a Zone of Peace, as declared by CELAC in 2014 and later endorsed by the UN.

El canciller de Venezuela, Yván Gil, reafirmó este jueves el respeto por la soberanía de las naciones, durante un encuentro con el Coordinador Residente de la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU), Gianluca Rampolla.

Gil señaló en una publicación de Telegram que el objetivo de… pic.twitter.com/yOW71MxXHQ

— Leicy Pulido (@LeicyPulido) November 28, 2025

In this regard, the foreign minister requested support from UN Secretary-General António Guterres "to restore common sense," after denouncing the deployment of US military units and weaponry, including nuclear arms, in the Caribbean, which he condemned as a direct threat to regional stability.

Gil also rejected the "false narratives" used as pretexts to justify aggression against Venezuela.

He further highlighted that the UNODC’s 2025 World Drug Report certified the country as a territory free of illicit crops and acknowledged the Venezuelan State’s efforts in this area.

Read more: Trump, Maduro held phone call last week amid US military buildup: NYT