Venezuela Political Crisis Overview

The Return of Edmundo González Urrutia

• Edmundo González Urrutia, the Venezuelan opposition candidate, has been recognized by the US government as the elected president of Venezuela.
• González Urrutia is expected to return to Caracas on January 10th to take office.
• The Chavista regime, led by Nicolás Maduro, appears confident in holding onto power despite the opposition's plans.
• The date of January 10, 2021 is significant as it is the date González Urrutia is scheduled to be inaugurated.

Eric Prince's Threats

• Eric Prince, a former Blackwater founder, has threatened Maduro with violence if he does not step down after January 10th.
• Prince claims that those who remain loyal to Maduro after this date will become "criminal targets."
• Prince claims to be acting on behalf of the US government, but this remains a subject of debate.

Trump's Stance on Venezuela

• Trump is hostile towards Maduro and his regime.
• Trump previously imposed harsh economic sanctions on Venezuela and offered a large reward for Maduro's capture.
• Trump supported Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president, but his strategy ultimately failed.
• Trump's administration is expected to pursue a stronger stance against the Maduro government.

Biden's Approach to Venezuela

• Biden's administration has taken a more lenient approach towards Venezuela, easing sanctions in exchange for promises of free and fair elections.
• The goal was to legitimize Maduro's regime and allow for the resumption of oil purchases from Venezuela.
• Many critics argue that this strategy has ultimately emboldened the Chavista regime.

The Impact of the US Elections on Venezuela

• The victory of Donald Trump in the 2020 US election has led to a more assertive US foreign policy towards Venezuela.
• This renewed US focus on Venezuela has resulted in new sanctions against Chavista officials and a renewed push to dismantle the regime.

The Significance of González Urrutia's Victory

• González Urrutia's victory is seen as a significant victory for the opposition movement in Venezuela.
• It has reinvigorated the opposition's efforts to oust Maduro and establish a democratic government.
• The US government's recognition of González Urrutia as the legitimate president has further legitimized the opposition's cause.

The Role of María Corina Machado

• María Corina Machado played a crucial role in revitalizing the opposition movement in Venezuela.
• Machado's leadership has been key in highlighting the fraudulent nature of the Chavista regime and galvanizing support for González Urrutia.
• Machado has called for Maduro's arrest and prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Eric Prince's Involvement in Venezuela

• Eric Prince has been actively involved in the struggle to overthrow the Maduro regime.
• Prince has threatened the Chavista elite, raising funds for anti-regime operations, and even met with Venezuelan officials.
• The nature and extent of Prince's involvement remain unclear, with some suspecting his motives and intentions.

The Future of Venezuela

• The US government's recognition of González Urrutia and renewed pressure on the Maduro regime adds significant uncertainty to the future of Venezuela.
• The potential for a violent confrontation remains, particularly with Eric Prince actively pursuing regime change.
• The situation remains complex, with the outcome heavily dependent on the actions of both the US government and the Venezuelan actors involved.
• The situation in Venezuela is likely to remain volatile, with potential for further escalation and instability.

Betsi De Voss and the Trump Administration

• Betsi De Voss, sister of Eric Prince, served as the Secretary of Education during Trump's first term.
• De Voss resigned in protest following the Capitol riot, citing Trump's rhetoric as a contributing factor.
• Despite this, De Voss' family, the De Voss family, has donated heavily to Trump's campaigns.
• The De Voss family owns Alticor, a multinational company with a past sponsorship of the Zaragoza basketball team in Spain and the Orlando Magic NBA team.

Eric Prince and the "Almost Venezuela" Operation

• Eric Prince, a former Navy SEAL who founded Blackwater, has been pushing for a military intervention against the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
• Prince has claimed Trump's administration is more hostile to Maduro than Biden's and more receptive to private military contractors.
• Prince's plan faces obstacles including high intervention costs, potential negative consequences, and the plan's public nature.

Marco Rubio and the Role of the United States Military in Venezuela

• Marco Rubio, the Republican senator from Florida, has been a vocal critic of the Maduro regime, proposing military force as an option in 2018.
• Rubio has denied calling for a military intervention.
• Rubio is being considered for the position of Secretary of State in Trump's new administration, potentially influencing US policy towards Venezuela.
• Rubio's position aligns with Trump's stance on immigration and national security, seeing Venezuela as a threat due to the migrant crisis that could result from Maduro remaining in power.

The Bolívar Act and its Implications

• The Bolívar Act, named after Simon Bolívar, aims to restrict the Maduro regime's funding by prohibiting federal agencies from contracting with companies doing business with the Venezuelan government.
• The Bolívar Act's passing as a law ensures implementation regardless of the administration in power.
• The implications of the Bolívar Act are significant for Venezuela's economy and could have severe consequences for the Venezuelan people.
• The Venezuelan government responded with the "Libertador Simón Bolívar" law, targeting opposition figures advocating sanctions; María Corina Machado is a specific target.

The 10th of January and the Future of Venezuela

• On January 10, 2021, Edmundo González Urrutia is scheduled to be sworn in in Caracas.
• This event is expected to further escalate tensions with the Maduro regime showing no signs of relinquishing power.
• González Urrutia's fate is uncertain, facing potential imprisonment or house arrest upon returning to Venezuela.
• The Maduro regime is likely to continue suppressing dissent, indicated by the recent approval of the "Libertador Simón Bolívar" law.
• While González Urrutia's return to Venezuela is unlikely, the Maduro regime will face ongoing pressure from the international community and the US (potential for increased sanctions and economic pressure).
• The Trump administration is expected to take a stronger stance against the Maduro government's illicit business practices.
• The volatile situation in Venezuela is likely to remain unstable with further escalation and instability possible.

Explore the recent political developments in Venezuela, including the return of Edmundo González Urrutia as the recognized president by the US government. Understand the tensions within the Chavista regime and the impact of Eric Prince's threats against Maduro's leadership. Gain insights into Trump's stance on the Venezuelan situation and its international implications.