The novelist and Chilean senator Isabel Allende, daughter of former President Salvador Allende and a member of the Socialist Party (PS), was emphatic in her recent criticism of Nicolás Maduro's government, labeling it a "dictatorship in every sense of the word."
In an interview with CNN on Monday, August 19, Allende stressed that Maduro's regime does not reflect the socialism her father advocated during his tenure in Chile.
Allende rejected the comparisons Maduro has made between his regime and Salvador Allende's government, asserting that the authoritarian and repressive practices in Venezuela are far removed from the socialist vision her father tried to implement.
"Venezuela is an authoritarian government, a dictatorship in every sense of the word," she declared, adding that the socialism of Salvador Allende has no connection whatsoever with what has been established in Venezuela under Maduro's leadership.
Questioning the Legitimacy of Venezuelan Elections
Regarding the recent presidential elections in Venezuela, Allende questioned the legitimacy of the electoral process and noted that the result proclaiming Maduro as the winner was a product of fraud.
"It is evident that Maduro did not win the election and that all sorts of completely irregular actions were carried out, far from the international democratic standards of a free, open, and informed election. It was a fraud," she stated.
Additionally, she expressed concern about the increasing repression in Venezuela, indicating that the current situation is alarming. "The worst part has begun: harsh repression, unjustifiable detentions. It's not just fraud; he is resorting to the worst practices employed by dictators who do not wish to relinquish power," she added.
Isabel Allende also recalled with gratitude the support many Chileans received in Venezuela during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, highlighting the solidarity of the Venezuelan people during Chile's crisis. "We owe a lot to the Venezuelan people; in our worst times, they were wonderful and supportive," she concluded.
Allende's statements align with those of Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who at the beginning of August declared that his government does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the presidential elections held in Venezuela on July 28, 2024.
In this regard, Boric expressed his firm refusal to accept the results, citing suspicions of electoral fraud and human rights violations in Venezuela. "I have no doubt that Maduro's regime attempted electoral fraud. If that weren't the case, they would have shown the famous records," he declared.
"Moreover, they are committing serious human rights violations, repressing people who are protesting and initiating laughable criminal prosecutions that would not be acceptable in Chile or any other democratic country, against opposition leaders," added the Chilean president.
Understanding Isabel Allende's Criticism of Maduro's Government
In light of Isabel Allende's recent statements, several pressing questions arise regarding her critique of Nicolás Maduro's government and the situation in Venezuela. Here are some key questions and answers to provide more context.
Why does Isabel Allende consider Maduro's government a dictatorship?
Isabel Allende considers Maduro's government a dictatorship because of its authoritarian and repressive practices, which she believes are far removed from the democratic socialism her father advocated.
What are Allende's views on the recent presidential elections in Venezuela?
Allende questioned the legitimacy of the elections, stating that the result proclaiming Maduro as the winner was a product of fraud and did not meet international democratic standards.
How does Allende compare Maduro's government to her father's socialism?
Allende asserts that Maduro's authoritarian and repressive practices in Venezuela are completely different from the socialist vision her father tried to implement in Chile.
What is Chilean President Gabriel Boric's stance on Maduro's regime?
President Gabriel Boric has expressed his firm refusal to recognize Maduro as the winner of the presidential elections, citing suspicions of electoral fraud and human rights violations in Venezuela.