Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, widely considered the most powerful figure in the country after President Nicolás Maduro, declared on Monday that U.S. military pressure and economic sanctions will not disrupt the nation’s upcoming holiday celebrations. Speaking during a televised event for the delivery of new police vehicles, Cabello struck a defiant tone, insisting that the Venezuelan people have remained resilient despite what he characterized as a prolonged campaign of “imperial madness” directed by Washington.
Why It Matters
The friction between Caracas and Washington has reached a fever pitch following a disputed presidential election and increased U.S. maritime activity in the region. As the U.S. intensifies its “maximum pressure” campaign, Cabello’s comments serve to project an image of domestic stability and control. The rhetoric highlights the Venezuelan government’s strategy of using national holidays to bolster public morale while framing U.S. actions as direct attacks on the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
What to Know
Cabello’s address specifically targeted what he described as 27 weeks of intense “harassment, threats, attacks, persecution, robberies, piracy and killings.” He argued that these actions were designed to break the spirit of the Venezuelan people but claimed they have failed to achieve their objective. “They are not going to spoil Christmas or New Year’s for us,” Cabello said, emphasizing that the government would ensure festivities proceed as planned despite the geopolitical tension.
The Interior Minister also addressed the presence of the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean. U.S. officials have stated these operations are focused on drug trafficking and have reportedly resulted in over 100 deaths and the seizure of several Venezuelan oil tankers. Furthermore, Cabello’s remarks follow recent claims by Donald Trump that the U.S. destroyed a “large facility” linked to narcotics off the coast of Venezuela. While Trump did not confirm if the strike occurred within Venezuelan territory, the Maduro administration has remained silent on specific strike reports while general threats continue to mount.
What People Are Saying
Cabello’s rhetoric focused on national dignity, stating that the U.S. prefers “submissive people” who “crawl,” but that Venezuelans “were not born that way.” He has urged his supporters to maintain “nerves of steel” and stay calm, warning against overestimating the United States as an adversary.
On the political front, Cabello has firmly shut down rumors of a negotiated transition of power. He maintains that any dialogue with the opposition or international actors must begin with the recognition of the current constitution and Maduro’s victory in the recent elections. “The only negotiation is that they respect this Constitution,” he stated, dismissing any speculation that political unrest would interfere with the end-of-year schedule.
What Happens Next
As Venezuela enters the peak of the holiday season, the government is expected to increase its presence in public spaces to ensure the promised celebrations take place without incident. However, the shadow of January looms large, as it marks the beginning of a new presidential term. While Cabello insists that January holidays will proceed normally, the international community remains watchful for any further escalations in U.S. maritime operations or potential shifts in Washington’s policy that could further strain the region’s stability.
