Maduro discusses opposition, anti-fascism, and economic growth
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expressed respect for Edmundo Gonzalez's departure, urging political dialogue and announcing that Venezuela will host a global anti-fascist conference from September 10.
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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro addresses crowds gathered at the presidential palace in support of his reelection one month after the presidential vote, in Caracas, Venezuela, August 28, 2024. (AP)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expressed his respect for the decision of the right-wing opposition candidate in the recent presidential election, Edmundo Gonzalez, to leave the country, stressing that Venezuela today is "calm and applauding what happened."
Maduro stressed that diplomacy and negotiations always lead to the preservation of peace, stability, and the interests of the country, stressing that the most important values for him are one's word and the fulfillment of agreements.
Gonzalez had requested political asylum from the government of Spain, and recently left the country after voluntarily taking refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas for several days, due to the issuance of a judicial warrant for his arrest to try him on several charges committed during the period following the announcement of the election results by the National Electoral Commission in Venezuela.
According to Venezuelan prosecutors, the charges against Gonzalez include usurpation of a public office, forgery of a public document, incitement to insurrection, sabotage, and conspiracy with organized crime and terrorist financiers.
Venezuela granted Gonzalez necessary authorization to leave
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said that Gonzalez requested political asylum from the Spanish government and that Venezuela "granted him the necessary authorization, in the interest of peace and political calm in the country." She added that Caracas approved his safe passage and that he left Venezuela, explaining that the safe passage was issued after "contacts between the two governments and the necessary measures in accordance with international law."
In his weekly program, Maduro stated that the Venezuelan opposition currently lacks leadership and that political capital has distanced itself from it. He noted that opposition voters are disillusioned because they do not want violence or external threats, which are associated with Maria Corina Machado's agenda.
While emphasizing his keenness not to interfere in the internal affairs of the opposition, Maduro asked, "Will they follow the path of fascism and violence again, or will they follow the path of politics and elections?"
The Venezuelan president reiterated his call for political dialogue with all opposition parties, calling on the Venezuelan opposition to reorient itself, believe in the electoral process, and make real politics, stressing that otherwise "they will be forgotten in history."
A global anti-fascist conference
In a separate context, Maduro confirmed that the Venezuelan parliament is currently conducting a public discussion and consultation on the anti-fascist law, noting that Venezuela must have strict anti-fascist laws, and the spread of hatred, violence, or persecution cannot be allowed.
Maduro announced that starting on September 10, Venezuela will host the preliminary global conference against fascism. This conference will be a major gathering of leaders and representatives from around the world who support the fight against imperialism, colonialism, and fascism.
'Economy is sacred' and future depends on it
Maduro announced that the Venezuelan economy has achieved 8% growth and may exceed 10% by the end of this year, stressing that "the economy is sacred because the future of the country depends on it.’"
Additionally, Maduro stressed that Venezuela, which is under constant threat of sanctions, has found a way to face and overcome them, pointing out that it is not the only country in the world which is burdened with more than 10,000 sanctions, citing Russia as an example of one such country whose currency has become the fifth in the world, and has become the fourth country in economic development in the world.
As for China, Maduro said that today it is the world's major economic, technological, and commercial power and that its currency has become the second most used currency in international trade, noting that the Chinese yuan is a real currency and was not built on the basis of speculative paper.
Maduro emphasized that the new world has already been born, and the yuan is an expression of this new world.
The Venezuelan president further revealed that businessmen in the United States are increasingly interested in investing with his country, away from the political diatribes and statements of White House spokespeople.
Maduro also stressed that no one can take Venezuela out of the energy equation, pointing out that there are more than 70 investors from BRICS countries and beyond investing in oil, gas, and petrochemicals in Venezuela, stressing that Venezuela is ready for these investments because they are the guarantee of energy stability in the world.
Maduro said that the policy of imperialism at this stage is directed by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and designed by the Pentagon, and is seeking to control the world.
"They are developing a policy of absolute control, mobilizing their far-right and fascist allies to subjugate countries that refuse to submit to their control," Maduro said.
