Venezuela's external shock decree grants Maduro special powers
Caracas, September 29 (EFE).- The decree on external shock in Venezuela was announced by Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who explained that Nicolás Maduro signed it recently, without specifying the exact date. The measure is presented as a response to what the government describes as "dangerous threats" from the United States, which maintains military deployments in waters near the Caribbean country.
The president had announced the proposal on September 23 during his weekly program "Con Maduro+," where he stated that he would initiate a consultation process on a "state of emergency due to external unrest," with the goal of safeguarding national peace and stability in the event of aggression.
What does the external shock decree entail?
The decree of external unrest in Venezuela is one of the four states of emergency provided for in the Constitution. It can be applied in situations that seriously compromise the security of the nation, its citizens, or state institutions.
According to the Organic Law on States of Exception, this type of decree has the rank and force of law from the moment it is issued by the president and must be published in the Official Gazette. It allows for the temporary restriction of certain constitutional guarantees, with the exception of rights considered intangible, such as the right to life, the prohibition of torture or incommunicado detention, due process, access to information, and basic human rights.
Rodríguez indicated that the measure will grant Maduro "special powers" in matters of defense and security . According to the vice president, the purpose is to protect the country's territorial integrity and strategic interests against any external aggression.
Possible effects of the decree
The actions contemplated include the immediate mobilization of the Armed Forces, military control of public service infrastructure , hydrocarbons, and essential companies, as well as the implementation of citizen security plans. The Executive Branch would also have the power to close land, air, and sea borders, in addition to implementing economic and social measures it deems necessary to guarantee national well-being.
Although the decree takes effect after being signed by the president, it must be submitted within eight days to the National Assembly or its Delegate Commission, as well as to the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, to determine its constitutionality.
If approved, its initial duration will be 90 days, with the possibility of an additional 90-day extension. Both the Executive Branch and Parliament may revoke it if the reasons for its suspension cease to exist.
Civil society organizations, such as the NGO Access to Justice, have requested the immediate publication of the decree, warning that its implementation entails the restriction of constitutional guarantees. The organization emphasized the importance of ensuring that citizens are clearly aware of its contents.
Context of external tensions
Rodríguez blamed the United States, and particularly the Donald Trump administration, for exerting pressure over the country's energy and mineral resources. He asserted that Venezuela faces a scenario of economic , psychological, and political aggression that justifies the adoption of extraordinary measures.
The decree on external shock in Venezuela , in this context, is intended as an instrument that strengthens the government's capacity to respond to a potential escalation of international tensions.
Experts in Venezuelan constitutional law point out that these types of measures have been applied in the past under various governments, always with the argument of safeguarding sovereignty against external factors. However, local organizations insist on the need to make the content of the decree on external unrest in Venezuela transparent so that the population is fully aware of the scope and limitations of this provision.
