The elected president of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutiasent a message this Sunday to the members of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) a few days before January 10, a key date on which, according to 1999 Constitutionmust take over as the new Commander in Chief of the country, after winning the July 28 elections with more than 65% of the votes, according to the minutes of the National Electoral Council (CNE) published by the opposition.
In his speech, González Urrutia urged the military to fulfill their constitutional duty and reject any attempt to usurp power by the dictator. Nicolás Maduro.
“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“, stated González Urrutia, while highlighting that it is the responsibility of the FANB to guarantee respect for the popular sovereignty expressed at the polls during the presidential elections.
The elected president stressed the need for the military institution to become a pillar for stability, peace and the defense of democratic principles at a moment that he described as “defining for the Homeland”.
“Our National Armed Forces are called to be a guarantee of sovereignty and respect for the popular will“, he stated, calling to act “with honor, merit and conscience” to protect Venezuelan families and restore the democratic order.
In his message, González Urrutia denounced corruption and the deviation from fundamental values within the current military leadership, which, according to him, has lost its way and does not represent the interests of the people or the FANB.
“It is necessary to put an end to a leadership that has distorted the fundamental and moral principles of our Armed Forces”, he expressed.
The president-elect acknowledged that many members of the FANB have already expressed their desire for change by “voting against that leadership,” aligning themselves with the rest of the Venezuelan people. González Urrutia called on these soldiers to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution as of January 10.
“We must act with determination and unity to protect our Venezuela”, he emphasized. He also reiterated his commitment to the military and the nation, ensuring that his actions will be aimed at the well-being of Venezuelan families and compliance with the legal framework established in the Constitution.
“Forward with honor and courage. Glory to the brave people!”, he concluded.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, called this Sunday for “everyone” to take to the streets of Venezuela and the world on January 9, one day before the presidential inauguration.
“This day will be recorded in history as the day Venezuela said enough. Enough of holding on, enough of being silent. It is our land, our flag. Freedom is not begged, it is fought and conquered“, stated Machado in an audio published in X.
He asked to leave “full of confidence” because, he stressed, “Maduro is not going to leave alone, we must make him leave with the strength of a people that never gives up”.
“Go out, shout, fight, it is time to stand firm, to make them understand that they have come this far, that this is over. There are no excuses, there is no tomorrow if we don’t fight today. Freedom is achieved when we overcome fear. “I’m going with you,” said the former deputy, who is in hiding for fear of her safety.
Machado and the largest opposition coalition maintain that González Urrutia is the winner of the July 28 presidential election, which is why they demand that this victory be recognized, despite the fact that the National Electoral Council fraudulently proclaimed Nicolás Maduro as the winner.
González Urrutia reiterated that he will travel to Venezuela to assume the Presidency and, as a preliminary step, he is on an international tour, which has already taken him to Argentina and Uruguay, in search of support.
This Monday, he will be received in the United States, where he hopes to meet with President Joe Biden.
(With information from EFE)
