military-intl-latam/index.html” title=”Tensions rise in Venezuela as opposition leader González asks … – CNN”>Venezuela‘s Defense Minister Slams Opposition Presidential Candidate’s Message to Military
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López lashed out Monday at the message sent by opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González to the country’s military, describing it as absurd and insubstantial. The minister called the opposition candidate "cowardly," "burlesque," and a "fugitive from justice" in a broadcast to the nation on radio and TV.
González, who claims that his coalition won the presidential elections in July with a 37-point lead, urged the Venezuelan military to act with honor in the face of Nicolás Maduro‘s plan to be sworn in for a new term on Friday.
Padrino López, who has been sanctioned by the United States since 2018 for his role in keeping Maduro in power, expressed his "profound indignation" over González’s message, which was received by U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House earlier in the day.
The defense minister described González’s statements as "arrogant, absurd, and incoherent," claiming that they were evidence of his "desperation in the face of the imminent and disastrous failure of his coup plans."
"With absolute vehemence, we categorically reject this despicable and grotesque act of politicking that has not the slightest impact or understanding of the strong, patriotic, and revolutionary consciousness of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces," Padrino López said, surrounded by other high-ranking military officers.
Military Remains Loyal to Maduro, Says Padrino López
Padrino López warned that the Venezuelan military will recognize Maduro as the country’s president for a third term of six years and swear loyalty to him as their commander-in-chief.
The general-in-chief accused the U.S. government of being the "sponsor and mastermind" of the Venezuelan opposition and stated that they lack popular support and respect from military institutions.
Before reading the official statement, Padrino López suggested that González’s message was "vacuous and empty" and criticized his alliances and recent meetings with foreign leaders, such as Argentine Javier Milei and U.S. President Joe Biden.
"The Bolivarian National Armed Forces is an institution of pristine integrity… It does not obey the whims or mandates of imperial powers and always stands up for the defense of our people," Padrino López emphasized.
The military chief insisted that González’s message was "ridiculous, meager, and insignificant."
