In a recent debate, Venezuelan opposition candidates discussed the importance of presenting a united front against the ruling party and attracting private investment to boost the country’s economy. This debate, the first of its kind since 2011, comes as the candidates await a ruling from the Supreme Justice Tribunal, which could potentially suspend the upcoming nominating contest scheduled for October 22.
Amidst the candidates, Luis Ratti, an independent candidate for 2024, has faced scrutiny due to alleged ties with the ruling socialist party. Ratti has requested that the Supreme Justice Tribunal bar the primary, citing irregularities. The Venezuelan opposition, which has long sought to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro, hopes that this primary will provide clear leadership and greater unity. However, the opposition’s attempts to unseat Maduro have proven unsuccessful thus far, despite widespread condemnation of the 2018 election as fraudulent.
Notably, three prominent opposition hopefuls, Maria Corina Machado, Henrique Capriles, and Freddy Superlano, have already been barred from holding public office. During the debate, organized by non-governmental groups and hosted at Universidad Catolica Andres Bello, the eight candidates emphasized the need for unwavering leadership that confronts threats. Machado, a former lawmaker leading the polling for the primary, stated, “We need a leadership that does not hesitate, that confronts, that is incapable of bending in the face of threats.”
However, there were differing opinions on the process of choosing a replacement if the favored candidate was barred from running. Capriles, a two-time presidential candidate, was notably absent, expressing the need for unity within the opposition instead of public displays of disagreement.
The opposition candidates also recognized the importance of attracting private investors back to Venezuela. The country’s economy has experienced eight consecutive years of contraction, followed by incipient growth in 2022 that is already losing momentum. Machado proposed reintegrating the country into the global financial system to stimulate investment. Other candidates, such as Superlano, Delsa Solorzano, and Carlos Prosperi, echoed the need for laws that protect private property, increase employment, and revise existing regulations that grant the state majority participation in oil companies.
Former legislator Tamara Adrian highlighted the urgency of transitioning from extractive development to productive development, striving towards a free-market economy that includes all individuals who have been left behind.
Overall, the opposition candidates stressed the significance of presenting a united front and attracting private investment to revitalize Venezuela’s struggling economy. The outcome of the Supreme Justice Tribunal’s ruling will have substantial implications for the future of the opposition’s presidential campaign.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
