Versión Español
By Jorge Redmond Schlageter
EspañolWith no response to the problems it has created, the Venezuelan government is slowly deteriorating. The Bolivarian Revolution is facing the harsh reality that its official party is fracturing amid talks of ransacking the public treasury at the expense of the quality of life of the country’s citizens.
The Bolivarian National Guard, once the keeper of public order, is today another vivid example of the government’s dedication to corruption and disregard for human rights. It has repeatedly and consistently participated in the cruel and excessive repression of the people’s constitutional right to protest peacefully.
The military’s deafening silence in response to the government’s abuse of power is shocking. Certain members of the high command must be satisfying private interests that include, among other dubious activities, international drug trafficking.
The political opposition has managed to open the door for a unified social opposition, which itself has not yet resulted in any unified political message able to facilitate the ousting of dictator Nicolás Maduro and his regime, let alone the creation of a new Electoral Council, a new Supreme Court or for presidential, gubernatorial and mayoral elections nationwide.
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Amid all this activity, the Attorney General has abandoned the regime and positioned herself in defense of the constitution and the legal system. In any normal country, that’s precisely what her job description calls for.
But it seems inexplicable that after 18 years assisting in dismantling the country’s democratic system, she would suddenly want to jump ship to defend the “legacy of Chavez.” Any initiative that contributes to ridding the country of this government and opening the door for free and open elections should be welcomed, but with the caveat of staying alert to any hidden agenda. Let us not forget where she came from in this political system.
These are difficult times for everyone, particularly those Venezuelans with limited resources. We cannot afford any mistakes. We must see the future with optimism but without wavering from maintaining a clear focus. Change will come, but it needs to be change that behooves us all.
Jorge Redmond Schlageter is the Director of Chocolates El Rey, a Venezuelan chocolate company.
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