The newly elected president of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia, addressed the members of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), appealing to their historical and constitutional responsibility in the defense of the homeland.
In a statement released this Sunday via social media, González Urrutia emphasized that, according to the Constitution, he is expected to assume the role of commander-in-chief starting January 10, with the mission of directing efforts towards protecting Venezuelan families and building a future of well-being and prosperity for all.
In his message, he urged the FANB to act with honor, merit, and conscience, reaffirming its role as a guarantor of sovereignty and respect for the will of the people.
"It is our duty to act guided by the values that unite us as a fundamental institution of the Republic," stated González, emphasizing the need to put an end to what he referred to as a leadership that has distorted the fundamental and moral principles of the Armed Forces.
The call also included an invitation to reaffirm the commitment to the homeland, noting that many members of the FANB have expressed their desire for change by voting against that leadership, which, in their words, does not guarantee stability or a future for the country.
"It is time to act with determination and unity to protect our Venezuela, restore popular sovereignty, and ensure the peace and stability of the nation," he stated, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the legal framework established in the current Constitution.
The statement concluded with a message of encouragement and commitment: "My commitment is to you and to the people of Venezuela. Forward with honor and courage! Glory to the Brave People!"
Political context: calls for mobilization and militarization of the country
González's message comes at a time of high political and social tension in Venezuela.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for massive demonstrations across the country on Thursday, January 9, which she described as "a crucial day for the nation." Machado urged citizens to take to the streets as a way to express their rejection of Nicolás Maduro's government and to support democratic change.
"This is the signal. This is the day! The day we unite our flag in a single cry for Freedom. Venezuela needs you. Everyone, together. Everyone! I stand with you. This January 9th, EVERYONE to the streets, in Venezuela and around the world," he stated.
On the other hand, Maduro responded with an increase in militarization in Venezuela, announcing the mobilization of troops in various strategic regions. According to official statements, these actions aim to ensure stability in the face of "attempts at destabilization." However, critics argue that this is a strategy to intimidate opposing sectors and prevent a popular uprising.
In this context, González Urrutia's call to the FANB could mark a turning point by directly appealing to the role of the armed forces as defenders of the popular will rather than that of a political group. The coming hours will be crucial in determining the political and social direction of the country.
Due to its importance, CiberCuba offers the full text of the statement from the elected president of Venezuela:
"To the members of the Bolivarian National Armed Force:"
In these defining moments for our homeland, I address you with the confidence that together we will overcome the challenges we face as an institution and as a nation.
According to the 1999 Constitution, promoted by Hugo Chávez Frías on January 10, by the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, I must assume the role of Commander-in-Chief, with the responsibility of protecting our families and directing our efforts towards a future of well-being and prosperity for all Venezuelans.
Our National Armed Forces are called to be a guarantee of sovereignty and respect for the will of the people. It is our duty to act with honor, merit, and conscience, guided by the values that unite us as a fundamental institution of the Republic.
It is necessary to put an end to a leadership that has distorted the fundamental and moral principles of our Armed Forces.
Many of you have expressed your desire for change alongside your fellow Venezuelans, demonstrating this by voting against a leadership that does not guarantee stability or a future for Venezuela.
It is time to reaffirm our commitment to the homeland. Starting from January 10, we must act with determination and unity to protect our Venezuela.
Our mission is to restore popular sovereignty, expressed through the vote, and to ensure the peace and stability of our nation. Therefore, our duty is to adhere to the legal framework established in the current Constitution, directing our actions towards the protection of Venezuelan families in a dignified and honorable manner, free from extortion or manipulation.
"My commitment is with you and with the people of Venezuela. Forward with honor and courage! Glory to the Brave People!"
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