Communist Party of Chile Dissociates From Boric, Recognizes Election Results in Venezuela
Orinoco, August 30, 2024 —
The president of the Communist Party of Chile (PC), Lautaro Carmona, distanced himself from the position taken by Chilean President Gabriel Boric regarding the recognition of the re-election of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Chilean communist leader announced his position after the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela validated the victory of Nicolás Maduro as the re-elected president of Venezuela. In contrast, Boric has refused to recognize the results of the election.
The party leader was asked in an interview whether there is any change in the position of the party after its political committee meeting held a few days ago, which was attended by Chilean ministers who are members of the party, such as Camila Vallejo, Nicolás Cataldo, and Jeannette Jara. Carmona responded that “there is no change, I would say that there is a development.”
He went on to say that unlike what the Chilean president has claimed in recent days, there is a separation of powers in Venezuela. “We are very clear. With great respect, in a good tone, without any confrontation, we do not share certain views with the president,” he said, adding that he does not want to “enter into a debate” with Boric.
The Communist Party of Chile is part of the governing coalition that brought Gabriel Boric to the presidency of Chile. This disagreement regarding Venezuela is part of a series of grievances and differences that Boric’s political allies have against his rightward turn in government policy.
Communist Party of Chile publishes statement on Venezuelan elections
Shortly after Carmona made the aforementioned comments, the Communist Party of Chile published the party’s position on the matter through a statement. The statement highlighted several points and urged the international community to “refrain from adopting positions that could foster a climate of confrontation” in Venezuela.
Firstly, the document stated that “Chile’s foreign policy is conducted by the head of state and we fully respect that prerogative.” On the same point, it mentions that “we will evaluate all instances and ways that would allow us, as a country, to contribute to overcoming the crisis.”
It added, “As a left-wing political force, we are a party deeply committed to the respect and sovereignty of peoples. In view of the election held on 28 July in Venezuela, we welcome the fact that the electoral process was conducted in a peaceful and civic climate. Today we insist and advocate that a peaceful solution to the crisis should prevail.”
“With the same conviction that we defend respect for the sovereignty of peoples and the paths defined by Venezuelans to resolve their conflicts, it is important to underline that Venezuela has been subject to unilateral economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies, which have been denounced by the United Nations due to their flagrant violation of international law and their devastating impact on the internal situation of the country, including the massive exodus of Venezuelans,” the document reads.
The communiqué adds that the PC urges “the international community to refrain from adopting positions that could foster a climate of confrontation in Venezuela, which could exacerbate the crisis to extreme levels. Any solution must be within the framework of complete respect for human rights. Peace and respect for the will of the people, expressed in the ballot box, is fundamental for the resolution of the conflict in Venezuela today.”
The statement concluded with the party’s “unwavering commitment to democracy, pluralism and human rights” and “a call to not lose sight of the grave situation affecting the people of our own country, which demands urgent responses.”