“I support the changes, but they end in democracy”. That was the central idea of former presidential candidate Enrique Márquez’s first appearance before the press after his release and his presence during Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech held in Washington DC on Tuesday.
During his speech, Márquez focused on celebrating the structural changes that have developed in the country after the military operation of January 3. He assured that, although many of these “they are not perfect”represent a good first step to achieve a transformation in Venezuela that culminates in freedom.
He blamed Nicolás Maduro for the events that occurred that day, ensuring that if he had “changed the course of the country as the entire international community asked him to do,” the operation would not have occurred.
“We cannot cover the sun with a finger or fall into fantasies, there is a fact accomplished and I, personally, from the opposition in which I find myself, advocate that the changes be deepened, to accompany those changes. That these changes do not lead to the same situation, but to democracy,” he said.
Precisely about the types of changes he would like to see avoided in the country, he criticized the appointment of Tarek William Saab as Ombudsman in charge. “The country is not for that type of castling.”
The former rector of the CNE also asked that “without impunity and with justice, the people work towards democracy”and expressed his desire for a process that is open to citizens and not managed solely by “topics.” “It has to be a unity of all, without exclusion, putting egos aside.
“We must have a unity, but not a unity of politicians, but a unity of the people that is inclusive, that does not exclude anyone. We must overcome egos, we are all necessary. Within the Venezuela concept, we all need a consensus that cannot have two or three actors. There cannot be a directed or imposed transformation. There must be participation from society that is still standing,” he said.
Prudence regarding meetings in the United States and rapprochement with María Corina Machado
Regarding his presence in Washington, Enrique Márquez chose not to give details about who invited him to the event, limiting himself to pointing out that the invitation came “from the White House”.
He added that he held meetings in the United States, but preferred not to name the officials out of “prudence,” although he noted that he feels “encouraged” by these meetings.
“The United States is our main ally“, he indicated, and commented that the military operation of January 3 “opened a door” for a real transformation of Venezuela.
“The conversations there revolved around my experience as a prisoner and I received opinions that make me affirm that we have an opportunity. The United States is an ally for changes in Venezuela. I advocate leaving ideology aside and being pragmatic. The topic was about how to take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.
Likewise, he said he supported Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s plan focused on stability and peace for the country, and then elections that take the nation on a democratic path.
When asked by the press about possible contacts with the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize and political leader Maria Corina Machadoclarified that he has not spoken with her since his release from prison, but that “He was open to meeting with everyone”.
“It’s not just working with her, it’s working with the entire country. We have hurt ourselves by separating ourselves and totalitarianism has won in that, of course I am willing to talk with all leaders. Not only politicians, but society, which interests me much more,” he said.
He wants to have “a role”: No to the CNE and a “we’ll see” to the candidacy
Although Márquez avoided giving details about his meetings abroad, he was blunt when saying that he does not expect to return to the National Electoral Council as rector: “I already fulfilled my role there. The second parts are not good”.
When asked about possible presidential aspirations, he stated that it is still very early and described the issue as “extemporaneous,” which is why he refused to give a definitive answer. “They are asking me what I will do when I cross the Lake Maracaibo bridge, and I am in Caracas. When we get there we will see what I will do”he indicated.
He stated that he hopes “play a role” during an eventual transition and for that reason it will remain in the political arena. “I am satisfied with having a role to take advantage of the opportunity”.
“I don’t know if transcision, there are people who prefer the word transformation. I think it is a sterile debate, I think what we have to ask for are changes from this government that is the same previous government, but that is making changes,” he added.
