Venezuela's Maduro Says Far Right Is Behind Destabilizing Acts

During a ceremony commemorating the Day of Indigenous Resistance, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the country’s extreme right wing carried out actions aimed at destabilizing the nation, ahead of Dec. 6 parliamentary elections.

Maduro said he is sorry that while the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela is promoting a peace campaign ahead of elections, right-wing factions insist on promoting violence.

In early 2014, at least 43 people were killed in a wave of violent right-wing protests designed to destabilize the country and foment a coup against the government.

RELATED: Peace at Stake in Venezuela's Upcoming Assembly Elections

Maduro said at least three right-wing attacks took place recently, two in electricity substations in the states of Tachira and Vargas, as well as a fire at a cultural heritage site in Caracas. He added that no matter what they do, peace will prevail in Venezuela.

Last week, Venezuela's left-wing political alliance, the Gran Polo Patriotico, formally requested that the National Electoral Council ensure all the country's political parties respect the elections results. The proposal was passed, but the right-wing parties of the opposition alliance, Democratic Unity Movement (MUD), have refused to sign.

The PSUV had a huge participation in its primaries in June, when more than 3 million people turned out to vote in a turnout considered very high for a party’s internal election, especially in light of the two years of the U.S.-led economic war that has impacted the country.

RELATED: Dangerous Diplomacy: US Praises Mexico and Honduras, Targets Venezuela