The President of Madrid criticises Sánchez in an emotional tribute to the Venezuelan opposition

A tribute that transcends borders

This Saturday, the Puerta del Sol in Madrid became the epicentre of a celebration for the freedom of Venezuela, where tribute was paid to two emblematic figures of the fight against the Chavista regime. The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, awarded the regional Gold Medal to María Corina Machado, a renowned opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, as well as to the elected president Edmundo González.

In an emotionally charged and politically critical speech, Ayuso did not hesitate to point out the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who was participating in a progressive summit in Barcelona. In her words, Ayuso questioned the intentions of the leader by stating that "Venezuela has suffered terribly from the effects of communism" and that while she celebrated the courage and sacrifice of Venezuelans, Sánchez was "partying" elsewhere in the country.

Ayuso raised questions about the actions Sánchez could take to "defend democracy", suggesting that his approach might be more related to maintaining his own power than to protecting democratic values. "What is he willing to do to defend his power?" Ayuso questioned, referring to possible attacks on institutions such as judges or independent media.

Despite the tense political context, Ayuso expressed her confidence in Venezuela's democratic future. She stated that María Corina Machado will be remembered as "the first president of Venezuela", predicting significant change in the South American country. Her speech resonated with a strong message about the importance of the rule of law and how it is fundamental to avoid falling into tyranny.

The Madrid president concluded her remarks by reminding that those who have undermined democratic processes in countries like Cuba or Nicaragua have no moral authority to give lessons on democracy. "Democracy without Law is revolution and tyranny," Ayuso emphasised, making her commitment to democratic principles clear in the face of any form of authoritarianism.