Nicolás Maduro’s government plan: Venezuelan president seeks the continuity of Chavismo

On Sunday, Nicolás Maduro will once again appear on the electoral ballots with the intention of consolidating the continuity of Chavismo by securing another six-year term as president of Venezuela, a position he assumed in 2013 when he was appointed successor to Hugo Chávez. The president’s candidacy has been marked by allegations of repression by the opposition, in addition to several calls from the international community to ensure a peaceful contest and to abide by the results of the National Electoral Council (CNE).

In January, Maduro presented his governmental plan, baptized as “The Seven Transformations (7T),” which consists of several objectives aligned with the values of the ruling party and Bolivarian socialism, the model that governs his administration’s policies. Among the key proposals is the prioritization of national sovereignty in natural resources, science, technology, and national income, as well as the expansion of the armed forces and the defense of Venezuela’s claims on Essequibo. Below are the main points promoted by Maduro’s plan.

Security

Maduro has pledged to guarantee justice and human rights. In his electoral proposals he has also addressed the “expansion and consolidation of military power.”

Conflict with Guyana over Essequibo

His priority is to give continuity to the defense and development of the Essequibo region, an issue that his government dusted off in a referendum at the end of 2023 and which has caused tension between the two nations.

Economy

The incumbent president proposes modernizing production methods and techniques to diversify the country’s economy. Maduro’s political agenda for the elections has also reiterated the importance of protecting Venezuelan sovereignty over its natural resources and national income.

Environment

The ruling party has incorporated climate change into its political agenda. Among its campaign promises are the implementation of measures to combat the climate crisis and safeguarding the Amazon and Venezuelan natural reserves from “the voracity of capitalism.”

Independence in culture, education, science, and technology

Among the objectives the candidate for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has presented in his plan is “the expansion of the Bolivarian doctrine in its scientific, cultural, educational, and technological dimensions.” Also included among the priorities of his government is the ethical, moral, and spiritual decolonization of society.

Society

Maduro seeks to reinforce the values of Bolivarian socialism in his government plan. The inclusion of all sectors of society, the fair distribution of wealth and the reduction of inequalities, as well as the guarantee of social protection of the people stand out among his priorities should he win the election.

Domestic Policy

The president promises “new forms of government” and a “new popular and revolutionary state” as part of his policies, although as yet he has not elaborated on the strategy to achieve this. He has also promised to address corruption “with a firm hand.”

Foreign Policy

Maduro’s 7T proposal also targets strengthening strategic alliances with the BRICS, the political and economic forum formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. On a visit to China in September 2023, Maduro declared that the countries that make up the group had in Venezuela “a partner, an ally, a friend,” having previously expressed his desire for Caracas to join the international alliance. The government’s plan also contemplates strengthening ties with Latin American and Caribbean countries.

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