Venezuelan clergy demands for political reform

Venezuelan religious leaders have voiced concerns regarding the country’s political landscape and the legitimacy of ongoing dialogues between the government and representatives of the 2015 National Assembly. Cardinals Baltazar Porras, Diego Padrón, and Monsignor Ramón Ovidio Pérez Morales noted that these talks lack major opposition representation and recognized technical facilitators.

To ensure an effective process, the clergy emphasized the need for the immediate release of political prisoners, an end to communication hegemony, and the organization of prompt presidential elections. They also advocated for the inclusion of diverse civil society groups, such as universities and churches, to build a unified national project.

Following these initial concerns, Monsignor Ovidio Pérez Morales issued a formal demand for political, social, and economic reforms. His priorities for restoring democratic and institutional guarantees include the release of political prisoners, holding presidential elections, ending communication hegemony, restoring freedom of expression, and implementing economic policies to address widespread poverty.