International

González Urrutia predicts an “overwhelming” opposition victory in the Venezuelan elections

The candidate of the largest opposition coalition in Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia, anticipated this Monday an “overwheating victory” for the formation he flags, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), in the elections on July 28, since – he said – the polls give him “a wide advantage” very “difficult” to reach for the other candidates for the Presidency.

“We trust in our victory, which can be an overwhelming victory. (…) And that opens up a new political reality and the Government will have to compromise (…), because there are sectors within the ruling party that are not willing to recognize an eventual defeat,” the candidate said in an interview with the national channel Televen.

Likewise, González Urrutia reiterated that, if he wins the Presidency, he will promote a “Government for all,” in which “sectors that at the time felt identified with the political process (in reference to Chavismo) and that are now disappointed” will be included.

The candidate did not rule out the creation of “spaces for dialogue,” which will result in the resignation of President Nicolás Maduro before the end of his term, in January 2025, or the transfer of power.

“I do not rule out what has happened elsewhere, as happened in Argentina in the 80s, when the president (Raúl) Alfonsín cut his mandate and transferred power to (Carlos) Menem. That can be part of some conversations,” said the candidate of the Democratic United Platform (PUD).

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In the face of possible conversations with the military sector, which has traditionally supported Chavismo, he said that “the military must return to their space” and “enforce the Constitution,” especially article 328, which states that its function “is at the exclusive service of the Nation and in no case that of any person or political bias.”

González Urrutia said that he is “very sure” that he will get a victory on July 28, when 21,620,705 Venezuelans are called to vote, who will choose from 10 candidates, including Maduro, who is looking for his re-election.

International

Maduro signs Economic Emergency Decree to counter U.S. sanctions on Venezuela

The National Assembly of Venezuela approved on Thursday an economic emergency decree presented this week by the government of President Nicolás Maduro, in response to sanctions and tariffs imposed by the United States.

In March, the government of Donald Trump began suspending licenses for foreign oil companies operating with the state-owned Venezuelan oil company PDVSA and imposed secondary tariffs on crude oil and gas exports. Maduro signed the decree on Tuesday, invoking constitutional articles that allow him to declare states of exception, temporarily restrict constitutional guarantees, or declare a state of emergency in the event of disasters, public calamities, or events that seriously threaten the country’s security.

The emergency decree “is to support national production,” said Delcy Rodríguez, Vice President and Minister of Hydrocarbons, during the document’s presentation.

“The affected oil markets, the fall in oil prices, have already surpassed 30% in our measurement, and this, as we say, is just the beginning,” Rodríguez stated, clarifying that Venezuela’s oil and gas production continues.

Rodríguez also mentioned that foreign oil companies are welcome to operate in Venezuela in accordance with local laws.

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The United States has set a deadline of May 27 for oil companies operating in Venezuela, including Chevron (U.S.), Eni (Italy), and Repsol (Spain), to wind down their operations and exports.

The decree grants Maduro the authority to implement measures he deems necessary to ensure economic growth, contain inflation, offer special treatment to investors, suspend taxes, or apply exceptions to tax laws, and establish import substitution mechanisms, among other measures.

Maduro and his government have consistently rejected sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries, arguing that they are illegitimate measures constituting an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela.

The president and his allies have celebrated what they describe as the country’s resilience despite these measures, although they have historically attributed some economic difficulties and shortages to the sanctions.

This is not the first time Maduro has governed under an emergency decree. In 2016, he signed a similar decree, which was extended until 2021 under the argument of sanctions imposed on Venezuela by Washington.

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With the Assembly’s approval, the decree must now be sent to the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice.

Central America

U.S. Government says deported migrants should remain in El Salvador for life

The United States government believes that the 238 migrants recently deported to El Salvador should remain in the country “for the rest of their lives.”

This was stated by Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, during a press conference. The following day, in a televised cabinet meeting, she reiterated the government’s commitment to continue its campaign to deport over 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal immigration status.

“We are confident that the people (sent to El Salvador) should be there, and they should stay there for the rest of their lives,” Noem told a group of reporters on Wednesday.

Despite the Trump administration’s defense of its decision to transfer the migrants to the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), both testimonies from their families and reports from U.S. media outlets have shown that most of those currently detained there have no criminal backgrounds.

International

Italian biologist found dead in Colombia; investigation underway

An Italian scientist has been found dead in Colombia, local authorities confirmed, after body parts were discovered along a trail in the coastal city of Santa Marta on Sunday.

Municipal police said that a bracelet found among the remains belonged to Alessandro Coatti, a biologist who had recently embarked on a journey across South America. Additional human remains were later discovered in two other locations within the city.

According to the police, Coatti had been staying in a local accommodation and was reportedly visiting the scenic Tayrona coastal area on April 5. His whereabouts since that date remain unknown, prompting an urgent investigation.

“There are currently no further details available; the case remains under investigation,” Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office said on Thursday. “It is still unclear what happened or where.”