Maduro Insults Panama‘s President Mulino in Verbal Spat
January 8, 2025
In a series of controversial remarks, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro lashed out against his Panamanian counterpart, José Raúl Mulino, during a televised discourse on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Maduro’s remarks came hours after Mulino hosted Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia at the Palacio de las Garzas, presenting copies of the electoral actas that prove his victory in the July 28, 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections.
Maduro, in his fiery rhetoric, accused Mulino of cowardice, stating, "Eres un cobarde, presidente de Panamá, y te va a tocar lo tuyo a ti también. El que se mete con Venezuela se seca. Te secarás, te secarás." (You are a coward, President of Panama, and it’s going to be your turn too. Those who mess with Venezuela dry up. You will dry up.")
He went on to chastise Mulino for not standing up for the dignity and legacy of Omar Torrijos,idadiso the Canal de Panamá as fiercely as he alleged that Mulino was attacking Venezuela. "Ojalá salieras a defender el Canal de Panamá y la dignidad que dejó para Panamá Omar Torrijos. Ojalá. Elevo una oración por Omar Torrijos, para que el pueblo de Omar Torrijos, fundado por Bolívar, quien libertó Panamá, alcance su hora de reivindicación más temprano que tarde. Así será."
Maduro’s comments, which were broadcasted in a screenshot by @globovisión, have drawn international attention, further straining the relationship between Venezuela and Panama. This diplomatic spat comes amid growing tensions following Mulino’s recognition of Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela and increasing speculation surrounding the control of the Panama Canal.
Earlier in the day, Mulino met with Gonzalez Urrutia, offering the Venezuelan leader political and moral support. "Debemos manifestarle de manera clara, don Edmundo, que Panamá está con usted y con la legitimidad que usted representa," said Mulino. "Cuente con nuestro apoyo político y moral. Espero que este periplo sea un campanazo al mundo democrático, un campanazo por la libertad de Venezuela."
The meeting, part of Gonzalez Urrutia’s international tour, reaffirmed Panama’s recognition of the opposition leader as Venezuela’s rightful president, intensifying pressure on the Maduro regime. Gonzalez Urrutia presented copies of the electoral actas that were allegedly stolen, stating, "Se robaron las actas, pero no contaban con la astucia de los venezolanos, quienes lograron controlar el proceso y rescatar las actas desde el mismo momento de la votación."
The event in Panama also garnered support from 11 former Latin American presidents and several regional foreign ministers. Panama, through Mulino’s statements and actions, has positioned itself as a strong advocate for Venezuelan democracy, challenging Maduro’s hold on power and fueling a tense standoff between the two nations.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the political landscape of both Venezuela and Panama, eager to see how this diplomatic row will play out and its potential impact on the broader regional dynamics.
