The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, surprised many by extending a message of good luck to the newly elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, suggesting "a new beginning" in the tense bilateral relations.
In a special program aired this Wednesday by the state network VTV, Maduro urged for a "win-win" situation that would benefit both countries and the Latin American and Caribbean region.
"This is a new beginning for us to bet on a win-win situation, where the United States does well, Venezuela does well, and we always advocate for the success of Latin America and the Caribbean," stated Maduro.
The leader recalled that Trump's first term (2017-2021) was not favorable for Venezuela. However, he expressed hope that the situation will change with the new administration starting on January 20, 2025.
During his speech, Maduro also addressed the moments of tension experienced in the bilateral relationship, but he emphasized his solidarity with Trump in times of crisis.
"No matter how much tension or strain there has been in our relations, when they attempted to take his life on two occasions, I did not hesitate for a second to express my solidarity and wish him good health and a long life. Today, I wish him luck in his government and hope that his proposals and electoral offers find a positive outcome and realization," stated the Venezuelan leader.
Taking advantage of Trump's electoral victory over Democrat Kamala Harris on Tuesday, Maduro emphasized his willingness to work towards a positive relationship with the United States. He underscored that his government is open to constructive dialogue and that he is the "reelected constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
Reactions and political tensions between Venezuela and the U.S.
Maduro's statements come amid a context of tension, as the United States government and parts of the international community question the results of the Venezuelan elections held on July 28.
This is because in that election, Maduro was declared the winner without the detailed results from the polling stations being published. The electoral documents were held by the opposition and demonstrated the victory of Edmundo González, the candidate from the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD).
Maduro's government has been supported by allies such as Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Russia. He views the challenges to his continued leadership as an intervention in Venezuela's sovereignty and reaffirms his intention to begin a new term on January 10.
Meanwhile, figures from the Venezuelan opposition congratulated Trump on Tuesday, ahead of Maduro. Edmundo González, "elected president of Venezuela," did so publicly on social media. María Corina Machado and former deputy Juan Guaidó also joined in.
Sanctions and conflicts between Venezuela and the United States.
The relationship between the governments of Maduro and Trump has been marked by conflict and sanctions. In 2017, during his first term, the Trump administration sanctioned Maduro for establishing a Constituent Assembly that was deemed "illegitimate" by the United States.
These sanctions included the freezing of assets and prohibitions on transactions between U.S. citizens and the government of Venezuela.
The Trump administration also banned the purchase of Venezuelan bonds and transactions with the state oil company PDVSA, severely impacting the Venezuelan economy.
Despite these circumstances, Maduro expressed his hope that Trump's new policies will find a positive outcome and yield good results.
The proposal of a "new beginning" opens the door to a change in the dynamics of relations between Venezuela and the United States, a shift that could have significant implications for the Latin American and Caribbean region. However, we will have to wait for Trump to take office and start making decisions.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under:
