Andrés Velásquez calls for national protest on July 3: 'Venezuela must fight for direction'

Venezuelan political leader Andrés Velásquez has called for a nationwide protest on July 3, urging all political factions to organize and participate. Velásquez emphasized the critical political juncture Venezuela faces, particularly following the purported capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3. He highlighted the legal implications of Maduro's prolonged absence, stating that exceeding 180 days without being in office amounts to "absolute abandonment of the position." "Venezuela has to fight for a direction. It has to fight," Velásquez declared during a political rally, underscoring the need for the populace to actively seek leadership. He proposed the July 3 protest as a unified action for all political forces across Venezuela. Velásquez also stressed the importance of maintaining a cohesive strategy, aligning all actions with María Corina Machado. He criticized isolated or individual actions, asserting they would not yield positive results against the ruling party. Furthermore, Velásquez criticized Dinorah Figuera for meeting with the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, deeming it an "individual action" that does not represent Machado's interests.

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After 180 days, a president who is not in his post is absolute abandonment of the post.