In the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro’s removal from power, Venezuelan politician Enrique Márquez is urging unity among the nation’s political factions. Márquez, who was recently released from prison where he was held after questioning the 2024 presidential election results, is calling for collaboration between the opposition and the ruling party to facilitate Venezuela’s recovery.
His call for unity came shortly after Márquez made a surprising appearance at U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Following Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, Márquez was freed and transported to the United States, where Maduro is now facing drug trafficking charges.
During a press conference, Márquez stated, “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.” His remarks seemed to suggest the start of a new political initiative.
In the contested 2024 election, Márquez ran against the ruling party’s favored candidate, Maduro. Despite significant evidence indicating that opposition candidate Edmundo González had won, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the victor. Márquez challenged the election outcome, petitioning the high court to invalidate the results.
Márquez, who previously served on the National Electoral Council, was arrested in January 2025 on charges including terrorism, hatred, and treason. However, he noted that he was never tried for these allegations and was granted amnesty through a law signed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez. He revealed the harsh conditions of his detention, where he was handcuffed continuously for seven days and denied sunlight for several months.
Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency after Maduro’s capture on January 3rd. Márquez praised her efforts to enact an amnesty law and initiate reforms within Venezuela’s oil sector. Despite his release, Márquez has not communicated with opposition leader María Corina Machado since leaving the prison, a facility criticized for human rights abuses.
Although Márquez avoided confirming whether he plans to run for president again, he emphasized his desire to serve as a unifier between the country’s divergent political groups. “My intention is to become a unifying force,” he declared. “The role I want to play, and hope to be able to play, is that of a builder, helping to build the future.”
For more on Latin American developments, visit https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
