Among the many persons who shared some words in this highly esteemed forum, were Madeline Pumariega, who restated the Miami Dade College’s commitment to democracy. The Idea Group president, Nelson Mezharane, spoke about how the Idea Group has been a Beacon of Democracy during its nine years of existence.
Former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar highlighted the international responsibility regarding Venezuela’s crisis, asserting, “Anyone who does not denounce Maduro’s coup is complicit with the dictator.” He was joined by Asdrúbal Aguiar, Secretary General of the IDEA Group, who noted that “lies have undermined democracy in Venezuela since 1999.”
The forum also featured harsh critiques of Maduro’s government. Former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana compared Maduro’s tactics to those of notorious criminals, emphasizing the regime’s use of illicit money to maintain power. Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, called attention to the authoritarian trends affecting his country while condemning Venezuela’s situation.
Amidst this grim outlook, María Corina Machado, a leading Venezuelan opposition figure, delivered a hopeful message via video, indicating that Venezuela is on the brink of a significant change. Similarly, the elected president of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia, urged respect for the democratic process and the will of the Venezuelan people.
Students attending the dialogue expressed their thoughts on the event’s impact. “Hearing from these leaders inspires me to take action for my own community,” said Ariel Quintana, a student who does not attend MAST Academy. “It’s crucial that we understand what’s happening in Venezuela; it’s a lesson for all of us about the value of democracy,” remarked Isabella Ramirez, a student who does not attend MAST Academy.
As the dialogue progressed, former leaders highlighted the importance of a united opposition and the role of international actors in demanding accountability from the Maduro regime. They urged vigilance against the erosion of democratic institutions in Latin America.
The event concluded with a call to action from Javier Martínez Acha, Panama’s Chancellor, who stressed the need to defend democracy courageously. “Democracy is not begged for; it is conquered and defended,” he stated, warning against complicity through silence.
The IX Presidential Dialogue not only provided a platform for critical discussion but also ignited a sense of hope and responsibility among attendees, reinforcing the importance of collective action in the fight for democracy across the region.
