2018: Henri Falcon Defied the U.S. and Ran for President of Venezuela

The 2018 Presidential election was scheduled for May 20, 2018.President Nicolas Maduro announced that he was running for reelection. Democratic Action Party Leader and National Assembly Member Ramos Allup and Progressive Advance Party Leader and Former Governor Henri Falcon announced that they were candidates for President.

Todd Robinson, US Charge d’Affaires in Caracas, visited with Ramos Allup and Falcon to try and convince them to not run.[1] Ramos Allup did not register as a candidate.

·       “What was the extortion, the blackmail they used so Ramos Allup wouldn’t take part?” asked Jorge Rodriguez, Minister of Communication.[1]

·       “According to sources with knowledge of the matter, Henri Falcon was told by U.S. officials that the Trump administration would consider financial sanctions against him if he entered the Presidential race.” [2]                  

·       “Why would the Trump administration want to prevent an opposition leader who could possibly win the presidency in Venezuela from running in this election? High level sources from inside the administration have stated that Florida Senator Marco Rubio is determining U.S. policy toward Venezuela. Rubio is a hardliner who does not seem interested in an electoral solution to Venezuela’s political crisis. On February 9, he appeared to support a military coup when he tweeted: ’The world would support the Armed Forces in Venezuela if they decide to protect the people and restore democracy by removing a dictator.” [2]

On February27, Henri Falcon registered for the 2018 Presidential election. The Opposition Coalition expelled Falcon and encouraged voters to not vote for him.

·       “With Falcon, an important opposition figure in Venezuela running for the Presidency, the Venezuelan elections gain credibility in the international community which goes against Washington’s attempts to discredit the government in Caracas and lay the groundwork for a military coup which has been publicly suggested by multiple senior US officials.” [1]

On May 21, 2018 Maduro expelled Todd Robinson from Venezuela “describing him as a conspirator against his government.” [3]

 

1.. Telesur, US Envoy in Venezuela Tried to Dissuade Falcon from Presidential Bid, Venezuelanalysis, March 20, 2018

2. Weisbrot, Mark, Behind the Scenes in Venezuela, US News and World Report, March 3, 2018

3. New York Times, Nicolas Maduro Expels Top U.S. Diplomats from Venezuela, May 22, 2018

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