Why it matters:
The decree would grant President Nicolás Maduro special powers to defend national peace and security.
The big picture:
During a meeting with foreign diplomats in Caracas, Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stressed that the decree is firmly grounded in Venezuela’s constitution and international law, particularly Article 51 of the UN Charter, which upholds the right of nations to self-defense in the event of an armed attack.
What's happening:
Under the decree, President Maduro is authorized to mobilize the Bolivarian National Armed Forces throughout the country. The military would be empowered to take control of critical infrastructure— including public services, the hydrocarbon industry, and other strategic sectors— while ensuring the continued full operation of the public service system. Citizen security programs and militia units would be activated as part of Venezuela’s integrated national defense framework.
If enacted, the decree would mandate the closure of Venezuela’s land, sea, and air borders, with measures to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and population.
What she's saying:
Rodríguez told ambassadors: “If the United States wants a barrel of oil or a molecule of gas, it must pay for it. These resources are the result of the Venezuelan people's efforts toward national development and are meant to serve nations in need, not powers that pursue militaristic policies against humanity. That will not happen.”
She concluded by affirming: “Venezuela is ready to defend peace.”
Context:
Her remarks come amid heightened tensions, as U.S. naval forces have been stationed in the Caribbean for nearly two months. While Washington describes the deployment as part of anti-narcotics operations, the Venezuelan government denounces it as a threat aimed at regime change and the seizure of national resources.
Go deeper:
Venezuelans Rally Against U.S. Threats, Express Support for Maduro
Hossein Amiri - seyed mohammad kazemi
