Ex-presidential candidate Márquez promotes national pact aligned with U.S. strategy for Venezuela

Former Venezuelan presidential candidate Enrique Márquez has proposed a "national pact" for the country's transition, following a path outlined by the United States. Five months after his release from prison, Márquez presented his proposal, stating that Venezuelans are in a transition process "driven and also tutored by the United States." He emphasized the need to "call things by their name" regarding U.S. influence.

Márquez, who previously served as vice president of Venezuela's National Electoral Council until 2023, expressed his desire for Venezuela to return to its "old alliance with the United States." He reflected on the past 27 years, saying, "We went looking for other partners, we left the hemisphere. And how did we do with those partners we sought for these 27 years? We did very poorly."

The 63-year-old politician announced a campaign "in favor of the established route, of the three steps of stabilization, recovery and transition designed by the United States, but necessary for Venezuela." He clarified that his proposal is not aimed at competing with opposition leader Dinorah Figuera, who is also engaged in negotiations with the government, but is intended "for Venezuelans." Márquez also voiced support for constitutional changes, including a return to a bicameral parliamentary system, elimination of re-election, and promotion of party plurality.