The Italian-Venezuelan singer, Franco De Vita, expressed his deep emotion in Portugal as he attended a demonstration of Venezuelans advocating for change, held in the city of Oporto. "It's thrilling to meet my fellow countrymen here in Oporto, all demanding change in Venezuela, calling for peace and freedom! This is happening all over the world! The truth cannot be hidden; this is what the people have said and this is what the people want," the artist shared on his social media.
Considered one of the most influential Latin artists of all time, De Vita walked among the crowd gathered in front of the Oporto City Hall, located at the end of Avenida dos Aliados. "Here we are reporting from Oporto: Venezuela is free!" De Vita exclaimed among the hundreds of protesters chanting "Out with Maduro! Out with Maduro!"
This Saturday, the Venezuelan opposition took to the streets amidst a substantial police presence. The demonstration, organized to defend the electoral victory of Edmundo González Urrutia and to denounce the massive fraud committed by the regime of Nicolás Maduro, was joined by other demonstrations of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in exile, who gathered in the plazas of more than 300 cities worldwide.
Franco De Vita's Advocacy for Venezuela
In April 2017, during an interview with Univision journalist Jorge Ramos, De Vita spoke about the situation in Venezuela and his connection to the country. "I feel very Venezuelan," said the singer, who also shares a deep bond with Italy.
De Vita discussed his song "Libre," which he described as "a cry of desperation," and his way of expressing the political and social chaos Venezuela was experiencing. While touring the United States, the popular Venezuelan singer called for a strong round of applause for the citizens of Venezuela who took to the streets daily to protest against Maduro. "I ask for applause for those who have risked their lives and those who have died, young people who have died from the gunfire of our guards, who are supposed to protect us but instead shoot at them," he exclaimed.
In February 2019, the singer used his social media platforms to urge the Italian government to support Juan Guaidó in Venezuela. In response to the Italian government's refusal to recognize Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela, De Vita sent a powerful message referencing the past solidarity of the Venezuelan people, who welcomed thousands of European migrants in the 20th century, including his own family, who had been suffering from "hunger" in Italy.
"We are asking for humanitarian aid; people are dying," the singer emphasized. He also highlighted that “seeing the consulate full of people seeking passports” was evidence of the severe humanitarian emergency in Venezuela.
Understanding the Venezuelan Crisis and Its Global Impact
In light of Franco De Vita's passionate advocacy for Venezuela, here are some key questions and answers to better understand the ongoing crisis and its global ramifications.
What prompted the Venezuelan demonstrations in Oporto?
The demonstrations were part of a global effort by Venezuelans to call for change, peace, and freedom in their home country, specifically protesting against the regime of Nicolás Maduro and supporting the electoral victory of Edmundo González Urrutia.
Why is Franco De Vita's involvement significant?
Franco De Vita is a highly influential Latin artist with a deep connection to Venezuela. His public support and emotional involvement bring greater visibility and credibility to the cause of Venezuelan protesters.
How has Franco De Vita previously advocated for Venezuela?
De Vita has used various platforms, including interviews and social media, to express his support for Venezuelan protesters, criticize the Maduro regime, and urge foreign governments, like Italy, to recognize Juan Guaidó as the interim president.