The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, surprised many by extending a message of good luck to the elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, proposing a "new beginning" in the tense bilateral relations.
In a special program broadcast this Wednesday by the state channel VTV, Maduro called for a "win-win" situation for both countries and for 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," expressed 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 under the new administration that will begin on January 20, 2025.
During his speech, Maduro also addressed the moments of tension in the bilateral relationship, but he emphasized his solidarity with Trump in times of risk.
"Despite any tensions or strains in our relationship, when they attempted to take your life on two occasions, I did not hesitate for a second to stand in solidarity with you and wish you good health and a long life. Today, I wish you luck in your government and hope that your proposals and electoral offers find a positive outcome and fulfillment," expressed 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 "constitutionally re-elected president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
Political reactions and tensions between Venezuela and the U.S.
Maduro's statements come amidst 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 those elections, Maduro was declared the winner without the results being published by voting table. The election records were in the hands of the opposition and indicated 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 characterizes the challenges to his continued leadership of the state as an interference in Venezuela's sovereignty and reaffirms his intention to begin a new term on January 10.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition figures congratulated Trump this Tuesday, ahead of Maduro. Edmundo González, the "elected president of Venezuela," did so publicly on social media. María Corina Machado and former deputy Juan Guaidó also joined in the congratulations.
Sanctions and Conflicts between Venezuela and the United States
The relations between the governments of Maduro and Trump have been marked by conflicts and sanctions. In 2017, during his first term, the Trump administration sanctioned Maduro for the creation of a Constituent Assembly that was deemed "illegitimate" by the United States.
These sanctions included the freezing of assets and restrictions on transactions between U.S. citizens and the Venezuelan government.
The Trump administration also prohibited 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 favorable outcome and yield positive results.
The proposal for 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.
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