Caracas, Venezuela - June 17, 2024

Edmundo Gonzalez is preparing to face Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela's presidential elections, to be held on July 28.

In being named candidate, Gonzalez maintained the discursive line of Maria Corina Machado, the former deputy could not register as the standard bearer of the Democratic Unitary Platform due to an administrative sanction imposed by the Comptroller General of the Republic, whose validity was endorsed by the Supreme Court of Justice.

Gonzalez aims at "propitiating measures for the economic, social and institutional recovery" as a central proposal, according to what she said in a dialogue with CNN.

His main measures, if he wins the elections, would aim at reducing inflation, which currently reaches 64% year-on-year, and improving salaries, "so that the currency does not depreciate".

In reference to actions that could be taken with respect to the leaders of the current Government, Mr. Gonzalez assured "that justice will have to intervene" and that there are several paths to follow. Among them, amnesty.

"In all transitions and political crises, there are amnesty and transitional justice agreements. All countries that have gone through situations like ours have ended up granting it, so I do not rule out that we could take a similar measure in Venezuela," he said.

He would also seek to restore confidence in the institutions of power, such as the Judiciary.

Another aspect Gonzalez would work on if he wins the presidency is the improvement of the primary health care system. His proposal aims to "plan management policies, strategies and actions to meet the demand and needs of the population".

In addition, he would seek to "correct inefficiency, stop and sanction corruption".

SHOTLIST:
1. Various statements to the press by Edmundo Gonzalez on June 17, 2024.