Petro suggests a transitional “national front” for Venezuela between Chavismo and the opposition

Gustavo Petro hopes that Venezuela will resolve the political crisis / Photo: EFE

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested a “national front” for Venezuela, like the one that existed in Colombia in the 20th century, in which liberals and conservatives took turns in power, as a “transitory” step towards a “definitive solution” to the crisis that the neighboring country is experiencing after the elections.

“A political solution for Venezuela that brings peace and prosperity to its people depends on Nicolás Maduro. The experience of the Colombian National Front is an experience that, if used temporarily, can help achieve a definitive solution,” Petro said in a message on his X account.

The National Front was a political pact between the Liberal and Conservative parties that was in force between 1958 and 1974 and that served to oust General Gustavo Rojas from power, who wanted to remain as head of state in perpetuity.

Lula’s idea

This is an idea similar to that outlined by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who in an interview referred to the Venezuelan elections and proposed two solutions: the formation of a coalition government that includes members of Chavismo and the opposition or the holding of new elections.

The Brazilian reiterated the need for the Venezuelan authorities to release the minutes of the elections of July 28 and insisted that “so far” it is not known who won the elections because the minutes were not released and the result could not be verified independently.

Petro and Lula held a telephone conversation yesterday to try to mediate in the crisis that has erupted in the Caribbean country following the elections of July 28.

Confidential call

The discussion on the call remained confidential, according to a source close to the Colombian government, but they could have discussed this proposal, which both have now suggested individually.

Today, the foreign ministers of Colombia, Luis Gilberto Murillo, and Brazil, Mauro Vieira, will meet in Bogotá with Venezuela as the central topic.

Bogota / EFE