Venezuela’s Defence Minister Pledges Loyalty to Maduro Following Election
Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino has vowed unwavering support for President Nicolas Maduro after he was declared the winner of the recent election. Padrino declared the army’s “absolute loyalty” to Maduro during a televised broadcast, dismissing opposition calls for military support.
The opposition leaders’ call for the armed forces to side with the people was seen as an attempt to incite defection, resulting in a criminal investigation against them. Despite mounting tensions and doubts over the election results from other countries in the region, Maduro’s government has cracked down on opposition members.
Both sides continue to dispute the election outcome, with the opposition alleging a significant victory for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez. The government, however, has yet to release official ballot counts, further fueling the controversy surrounding the election.
As the political turmoil in Venezuela intensifies, the loyalty of the armed forces remains a crucial factor in determining the country’s future. The standoff between Maduro’s government and the opposition shows no signs of easing, raising concerns about the stability of the nation.