Caracas, Nov 11 (EFE).- The leader of the largest opposition coalition in Venezuela, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), César Pérez Vivas criticized this Monday the “silence” of the president, Nicolás Maduro, after his Colombian counterpart , Gustavo Petro, publicly rejected the decision to privatize Monómeros, a Venezuelan state company installed in the Andean country.
“Nicolás Maduro remains silent in the face of President Gustavo Petro’s revelation”expressed the former governor of the state of Táchira (border with Colombia) on the social network
Petro published on his X account a letter addressed to Maduro, dated November 8, in which he expressed his opposition to “the decision” of the Minister of Industry and Production of Venezuela, the Colombian businessman Alex Saab – who was imprisoned in the United States accused of conspiracy to money laundering – to “sell and privatize” Monómeros.
The Colombian president points out in the letter that, for more than five decades, the company has benefited farmers in both countries with the production and sale of agricultural inputs at a “fair price” and, currently, guarantees “millions of families” the productivity of their lands, which is why – he warns – their privatization “will imply higher prices for products.”
Likewise, he continues, it will force producers to “depend on foreign products and the price of agricultural inputs on the international market.”
«There is no doubt that this decision could condemn millions of people who represent the basis of food sovereignty in our region to poverty and hunger. For this reason, I want to invite you to reconsider the privatization of the company that has provided and can continue to provide support to millions of families in our countries,” Petro adds in the letter.
Maduro, whose Government claims to maintain constant communication channels with the Colombian Executive, has not publicly referred to the issue and it is unknown if he has spoken with his counterpart in recent days.
Pérez Vivas, who is part of the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), regretted that in Venezuela there is no Parliament – currently controlled by Chavismo – that “opens an investigation and promotes a debate to know the behind-the-scenes of this opaque negotiation.”
“Times of darkness, of corruption, in short, times of dictatorship,” added the anti-Chavista.
In September 2022, a month after the resumption of bilateral relations, the Maduro Government celebrated having recovered control of Monómeros, which had been in the hands of the opposition Juan Guaidó since 2019, whom the then Colombian president Iván Duque recognized as “interim president” of the Caribbean country.
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**Interview with César Pérez Vivas, Leader of the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, César. Let’s start with your reaction to President Gustavo Petro’s letter to Nicolás Maduro regarding Monómeros. Why do you think it’s significant?
**César Pérez Vivas:** Thank you for having me. President Petro’s letter is highly significant as it highlights the concerns surrounding the privatization of Monómeros. This state company has long been a vital resource for farmers in both Venezuela and Colombia, ensuring they have access to agricultural inputs at fair prices. By opposing the privatization, Petro is showing a commitment to the needs of the farmers and the importance of maintaining this cross-border cooperative relationship.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Maduro’s silence on the issue. How does this reflect on his leadership?
**César Pérez Vivas:** Maduro’s silence is telling. It demonstrates a lack of transparency and accountability. When a regional leader expresses serious concerns about a decision that could negatively impact millions of families, it’s imperative for the Venezuelan president to respond. His failure to acknowledge this not only raises questions about his leadership but also about his commitment to the Venezuelan people and their well-being.
**Interviewer:** What do you think are the implications of privatizing Monómeros for the agricultural sector in both Venezuela and Colombia?
**César Pérez Vivas:** Privatization could lead to increased costs for farmers, as private entities often prioritize profit over accessibility. This might push many farmers into financial distress, affecting food security in both countries. Moreover, it undermines the historical ties and cooperation that have existed between Venezuelan and Colombian farmers for decades. We need to prioritize shared interests and protect these crucial relationships.
**Interviewer:** What actions do you believe should be taken in response to this situation?
**César Pérez Vivas:** We need to call for a transparent discourse around Monómeros. Both governments should engage in dialogue to ensure that the needs of farmers take precedence over profit-driven motives. Civil society and agricultural organizations must also voice their concerns to ensure that farmers’ needs are not sidelined. This is a pivotal moment for both nations to stand together rather than let individual interests divide us.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, César, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**César Pérez Vivas:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we keep these discussions alive for the sake of our farmers and our nations.
