Venezuela's president-elect, Edmundo González Urrutia, has issued a call to the members of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB), urging them to fulfill their historic and constitutional duty to defend the nation. In a statement shared on social media this Sunday, González Urrutia emphasized that, in accordance with the Constitution, he is slated to assume the role of commander-in-chief beginning January 10. His mission is to lead efforts aimed at protecting Venezuelan families and fostering a future of prosperity and well-being for all.
In his address, González urged the FANB to act with integrity, merit, and awareness, reaffirming their role as the guarantors of sovereignty and respect for the public will. "Our duty is to act guided by the values that unite us as a fundamental institution of the Republic," González stated, highlighting the need to end what he described as a leadership that has distorted the core principles and morals of the Armed Forces.
He also invited a reaffirmation of commitment to the country, noting that many FANB members have expressed their desire for change by voting against this leadership, which, in his view, fails to ensure stability or a future for the nation. "Now is the time to act with determination and unity to protect our Venezuela, restore popular sovereignty, and ensure the peace and stability of the nation," he asserted, stressing the importance of adhering to the legal framework established by the current Constitution.
The statement concluded with a message of encouragement and commitment: "My commitment is to you and the people of Venezuela. Forward with honor and courage! Glory to the Brave People!"
Political Context: Calls for Mobilization Amid Military Escalation
González's message comes at a time of intense political and social tension in Venezuela. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for massive mobilizations across the country on Thursday, January 9, describing it as "a crucial day for the nation." Machado encouraged citizens to take to the streets as a way to voice their opposition to Nicolás Maduro's government and support democratic change.
"This is the signal. This is the day! The day we unite our flag in a single shout for Freedom. Venezuela needs you. Everyone, together. I am with you. This January 9, EVERYONE to the streets, in Venezuela and worldwide," she declared.
In response, Maduro has heightened the military presence in Venezuela, announcing the deployment of troops in various strategic regions. Official statements claim these actions aim to ensure stability against "attempts at destabilization." However, critics argue it is a strategy to intimidate opposition sectors and prevent a popular uprising.
In this context, González Urrutia's appeal to the FANB could represent a turning point, as it directly calls on the armed forces to defend the public will rather than a political faction. The coming hours are critical in determining the country's political and social direction.
For its significance, CiberCuba provides the full text of the president-elect's statement:
"To the members of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces:
In these defining moments for our homeland, I address you with the certainty that together we will overcome the challenges we face as an institution and as a nation.
According to the 1999 Constitution, promoted by Hugo Chávez Frías, on January 10, by the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people, I must assume the role of Commander-in-Chief, with the responsibility to protect our families and direct our efforts towards a future of well-being and prosperity for all Venezuelans.
Our National Armed Forces are called to be the guarantors of sovereignty and respect for the popular will. It is our duty to act with honor, merit, and awareness, guided by the values that unite us as a fundamental institution of the Republic.
It is necessary to put an end to a leadership that has distorted the fundamental and moral principles of our Armed Forces.
Many of you have expressed your desire for change alongside the rest of the Venezuelans, expressing it by voting against this leadership that does not represent a guarantee of stability or a future for Venezuela.
It is time to reaffirm our commitment to the homeland. As of January 10, we must act with determination and unity to protect our Venezuela.
Our mission is to restore popular sovereignty, manifested in the vote, ensure the peace and stability of our nation. Thus, our duty is to adhere to the legal framework established in the current Constitution, directing our actions towards the protection of Venezuelan families, with dignity and honor, without extortion or manipulation.
My commitment is to you and the people of Venezuela. Forward with honor and courage! Glory to the Brave People."
Key Questions about Venezuela's Political Crisis
What is Edmundo González Urrutia's role in Venezuela?
Edmundo González Urrutia is the president-elect of Venezuela, preparing to assume the role of commander-in-chief as outlined in the Constitution.
Why is María Corina Machado calling for mobilizations?
María Corina Machado is urging citizens to protest against Nicolás Maduro's government and to support democratic change in Venezuela.
How has Nicolás Maduro responded to the opposition's actions?
Nicolás Maduro has increased military presence in strategic regions of Venezuela, citing the need to maintain stability in the face of alleged destabilization attempts.