Venezuela Celebrates Independence Day Amid Ongoing Struggle for Sovereignty

On the 214th anniversary of Venezuela's independence from Spanish rule, President Nicolás Maduro and government officials celebrated the nation's ongoing fight for sovereignty against foreign interference. Events were held in Caracas at the National Pantheon, which houses the remains of Simón Bolívar, the revered leader of Latin America's independence movement.

In a speech at the Meeting for a World Social Alternative in Caracas, President Maduro reaffirmed Venezuela's commitment to self-determination and called for unity among progressive movements globally to overcome the challenges posed by capitalism and right-wing fascism. He denounced the involvement of Zionism and the U.S.-backed global ultra-right in destabilization efforts and violence against Venezuela.

The head of the Bolivarian Government's delegation for the Dialogue and president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, stated that Venezuela will not bow down to imperialism. He highlighted the U.S. government's non-compliance with agreements signed in Doha and Mexico, emphasizing that Venezuela is an autonomous nation that does not allow foreign interference.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil met with diplomats to provide information about the upcoming presidential elections, stressing the effectiveness and reliability of Venezuela's electoral system. President Maduro also announced the closure of Venezuela's embassy and consulates in Ecuador in response to aggression against the Mexican embassy.

Why this matters: Venezuela's ongoing struggle for sovereignty and resistance to foreign interference has broader implications for the region and global geopolitics. The country's commitment to self-determination and its efforts to forge alliances with progressive movements worldwide highlight the complex dynamics of power and influence in Latin America and beyond.

As part of the independence day celebrations, Venezuela will host the World Gathering for a Social Alternative, an event organized by the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, to promote a common agenda against imperialist aggression. The Venezuelan government also asserted the country's right to demand the lifting of the U.S. blockade, which it argues violates international law.

President Maduro emphasized the need for the Venezuelan people to remain activated, informed, and mobilized to defend the nation and work towards a socialist future. "Venezuela is an autonomous nation that does not allow foreign interference," Foreign Minister Gil reiterated, underscoring the country's resolute stance in the face of ongoing challenges to its sovereignty.

Key Takeaways

• Venezuela celebrated 214th independence, reaffirming fight for sovereignty.
• Maduro called for unity against capitalism, right-wing fascism, and Zionism.
• Venezuela rejects imperialism, won't bow down to foreign interference.
• Venezuela to host World Gathering for a Social Alternative event.
• Venezuela asserts right to demand lifting of U.S. blockade, defend sovereignty.