President Nicolas Maduro Reflects on Democracy in Venezuela in an Interview With Ignacio Ramonet

Despite the difficulties faced by his government, the president stated that the constitution, which turned 25 last December, has allowed a participatory democratic system to be maintained. Jan 1st, 2025 Photo: VTV

January 1, 2025 Hour: 6:18 pm

In a recent interview with journalist Ignacio Ramonet, Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, highlighted the importance of democracy in the country and the need for potential constitutional reform. This meeting, the tenth in an annual series, focused on reviewing the past year and projecting into the future.

President Maduro stressed that 2024 is a significant electoral period for Venezuela, with multiple elections including presidential elections and referendums.

Despite the difficulties faced by his government, the president stated that the constitution, which turned 25 last December, has allowed a participatory democratic system to be maintained.

The president also emphasized that Venezuelan democracy has evolved from “old party democracy” into one that seeks to empower the people as true sovereigns. “Despite conspiracies and economic wars, we have seen the proposal for a participatory democracy flourish,” said President Maduro.

In the interview, Nicolás Maduro also highlighted a significant milestone that took place on December 15 of last year when the National Assembly approved the Organic Law of Communal Peace Justice.

This breakthrough allowed for the election of 15,000 local peace judges, who were selected by direct popular vote. “This is not reported in the world because what they are interested in is repeating that in Venezuela there is a dictatorship and that there is no democracy,” lamented the president.

President Maduro argued that this initiative exemplifies how in the “global south,” a new form of democracy is being developed, which he defines as “popular democracy” and “direct democracy.” He highlighted that this model seeks to empower citizens in decision-making and promote policies closer to communities.

The president stressed that this process has been well received by Venezuelan society and has opened a debate on the urgent need to develop new political models. “We have had a wonderful opportunity to see that it is possible to build another way of making politics,” he said, noting that these initiatives are crucial for humanity’s future.

In order to strengthen this new approach, President Maduro announced his intention to pursue constitutional reform that further democratizes the state and Venezuelan society. “From January 2025, we will move towards a constitutional reform that democratizes the entire state,” he declared. This reform, he states, will be driven by a “dialogue and inclusive” method.

The president also mentioned forming a special team of experts and advisers, both national and international, to support this process. “The constitutional reform must be drafted first, and that draft must be approved by the National Assembly,” he explained. Once approved by Parliament, the draft will be taken to the people for debate and eventual referendum.

“The one who has the final word in Venezuela to approve a reform is the sovereign; it is direct democracy; it is the people,” declared President Maduro, reaffirming his commitment to a participatory model that involves citizens in the country’s political decisions.