Enrique Márquez Urges Unity in Venezuela Amid Political Shifts
Venezuelan politician Enrique Márquez, who was imprisoned for over a year following his challenge to the 2024 presidential election results, has called for cooperation between the nation’s political opposition and the ruling party. This appeal comes in the wake of former President Nicolás Maduro’s removal from office, presenting a pivotal opportunity for Venezuela’s recovery.
Márquez’s recent public appeal to set aside personal ambitions was made following his unexpected appearance during U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. His release from prison occurred shortly after the U.S. military apprehended Maduro in Venezuela’s capital, leading to his extradition to New York on drug trafficking charges. Márquez emphasized the need to move on from the past conflicts, stating, “We have been killing each other in a relentless political war. If we don’t break the rearview mirror and look ahead, we won’t find our way.”
In the disputed 2024 election, the National Electoral Council, aligned with the ruling party, declared Maduro the victor despite credible evidence suggesting opposition candidate Edmundo González had won. Márquez, who participated in the election, contested the council’s decision and sought to have the high court annul the results.
Detained in January 2025, Márquez recounted his experiences of being handcuffed and interrogated continuously in his first week in custody. He remained isolated for 10 months, including three months without sunlight, on charges of terrorism, hatred, and treason. These charges were never tried, and Márquez was eventually granted amnesty following a new law signed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency after Maduro’s capture on January 3. Márquez praised her for enacting the amnesty law and initiating reforms in Venezuela’s oil industry. However, he noted that he had not communicated with opposition leader María Corina Machado since his release from a facility reported by human rights organizations for torture and abuse.
When questioned about a potential future presidential bid, Márquez did not provide a definitive answer, expressing doubt about the immediacy of upcoming elections. He expressed a desire to serve as a unifying figure, stating, “My intention is to become a unifying force. The role I want to play, and hope to be able to play, is that of a builder, helping to build the future.”
Follow ongoing coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at AP News.
