Lacalle Pou on Maduro: Statements and Regional Reading
The former Uruguayan president analyzed Venezuela's political situation in Chile and harshly criticized the regional leadership linked to Chavismo. In a talk organized by Adolfo Ibáñez University, he reviewed his experiences in multilateral forums and offered critical remarks about governments in the region.
Lacalle Pou said he doesn't maintain a fluid relationship with Nicolás Maduro and recalled contacts at summits such as CELAC, where he addressed the situation in several countries. He noted that his style is to speak his mind, and that, therefore, his positions tend to be direct and public.
Referring to Venezuela, he drew a historical line: he maintained that Hugo Chávez didn't emerge from nowhere and that there was a breeding ground that facilitated his rise. He praised the role of opposition figures such as María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, and differentiated between committed leaders and those who, in his opinion, were functional to the regime.
The former president also emphasized that no quick solutions are in sight in Venezuela: he highlighted the lack of free elections and the distortion of the separation of powers as obstacles to any political solution.
Venezuela and the opposition, a reading by Lacalle Pou
From his perspective, electoral processes and popular expectations have played a central role in the expansion of Chavismo. "People can be deceived," he summarized, warning of the fragility of institutions when democracy weakens.
Maduro and CELAC, comments on the summit
At CELAC, he said, there were tense moments due to his interventions on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. He also noted Miguel Díaz-Canel's presence at some meetings and the complicated diplomatic relations within those regional forums.
The Bukele case: security and reelection
Regarding El Salvador, Lacalle Pou highlighted the change in security he observed during his surfing trips and pointed to a tangible improvement in public tranquility. However, he downplayed his support when he spoke about the constitutional reform that allows for indefinite reelection, and affirmed that the letter of democracy must be respected.
Indefinite reelection and democratic principle
For him, a constitutional provision prohibiting reelection should remain as is; he questioned the logic of changing the rules that underpin the democratic system, even though he recognizes specific improvements in security policies.
Balance and conclusions on the region
Lacalle Pou cast a critical and uncompromising view of certain governments on the continent, advocating for institutional defense and pointing to opposition leaders who, he said, sustained the resistance to Chavismo. His assessment combines skepticism about immediate solutions in Venezuela and warning of risks to democracy.
