One month after earthquakes, opposition leader says Venezuelan solidarity cannot hide institutional neglect

One month after earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, opposition leader Edmundo González has sharply criticized the government's response. He noted that while the solidarity of Venezuelans has been remarkable, it cannot be used to cover up the state's institutional failures.

González pointed out that the progressive dismantling of institutions, loss of public capacity, corruption, and indifference to citizen suffering predate the seismic events. He argued that the tragedy merely made these systemic issues impossible to hide, reflecting nearly three decades of political decisions.

During the emergency, neighbors, communities, organizations, journalists, churches, and volunteers stepped in to perform tasks that should have been the state's responsibility. González honored this solidarity but stressed it should no longer serve as a shield for institutional neglect. He asserted that rebuilding Venezuela involves more than just physical reconstruction; it requires restoring a state that protects, responds, and never abandons its people.

"No project of power can be sustained at the expense of a people's pain," González stated. He believes that trust, legitimacy, and the future can only be built alongside the people. Those who fail to understand this, he warned, will ultimately distance themselves from the country they claim to represent. The true reconstruction of Venezuela, he concluded, begins with reclaiming a state dedicated to its citizens.