As a month passes since the earthquakes that shook Venezuela, the opposition leader Edmundo González has emphasized that the reconstruction of the country also requires rethinking the model of the State, so that it is "at the service of its people" and does not repeat what has been seen in these weeks following the disaster.
In a letter disseminated on his social networks, González denounces that, after this first month, the victims of the earthquakes "must rebuild their lives without sufficient answers, without certainties and, too often, without the support they should receive from the State."
The opposition leader maintains that the entire country has witnessed how "almost three decades" of "progressive dismantling of institutions," "corruption," and "indifference" have hindered the response to the emergency, and asserts that the tragedy has further exposed these structural ills.
"It is clear that no one can prevent the earth from shaking, but those who hold power do have the responsibility to respond when the population needs greater protection and, even more so, when the country faces one of the greatest natural disasters in its history," González emphasizes.
The leader highlights the resilience shown by citizens during this month, "always supportive," taking on roles that would correspond to public institutions. "That solidarity honors the country, but it can no longer be used to cover up institutional orphanhood," he warns.
In this regard, he insists that "The reconstruction of Venezuela is not just about building houses, reconstructing hospitals, schools, and roads. It also requires recovering a State that protects, responds, and never turns its back on its people."
González also maintains that, although "force can administer power for a time," true "legitimacy" is only obtained with the support of the population. "Those who are unable to understand this will end up distancing themselves from the country they claim to represent," says the opposition leader, who currently resides in Spain.
The leader concludes by reiterating his political objective: "The reconstruction of Venezuela begins with recovering a State at the service of its people. That is and will continue to be my commitment."