MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has unveiled a comprehensive constitutional reform proposal aimed at enhancing participatory democracy and outlining a long-term economic strategy for the nation.
During a speech at the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas, Maduro declared, “We are prepared to initiate a significant national discussion, allowing Venezuelan society to lead a transformative reform that updates the 1999 Constitution, heralding a new era for the country.”
At this pivotal event, Maduro established a National Commission responsible for steering the reform process, which includes key political figures such as the attorney general, vice-president, and ministers. The proposed reforms entail modifying 80 articles of the 1999 Constitution, which was initially approved following an extensive consultative process led by a Constituent Assembly during Hugo Chávez’s presidency.
One of the reform’s key objectives is to reshape the state to better reflect the voices and needs of grassroots organizations, emphasizing the significant political advancements Venezuela has made over the past 25 years.
Recently, Venezuelans participated in the third “National Popular Consultation,” where communities across 5,334 communal circuits voted on local projects for government support, as part of a grassroots initiative designed to tackle local challenges through popular assemblies.
On economic matters, Maduro outlined a vision for the country’s economic development over the next 30 years. He stated, “We are on the recovery path. With collective effort, we can embed into our Constitution a strategy for a robust and sustainable economy.”
While details remain sparse, Maduro indicated that the future economic plan would focus on diversifying the economy, aiming for increased self-sufficiency and reduced vulnerability to external pressures.
Historically reliant on oil since the 20th century, Venezuela’s economy has faced substantial challenges, particularly due to the impacts of external sanctions hampering its ability to export oil and attract investment. “Following severe sanctions aimed at our economy, we are now constructing a new, productive, self-sustaining economy focused on equality,” Maduro asserted during the commission’s inaugural meeting, urging members to present a proposal to the public within 90 days.
Emphasizing the importance of public engagement, Maduro called for an “intense” consultative process in discussing the reforms within Venezuelan society, with the final proposal destined for a national referendum.
The National Federation of Public Employees (Fedeunep) expressed hopes that the reform would benefit public-sector workers by converting bonuses into salaries, which has long been a demand within the trade union movement. A representative from Fedeunep emphasized the urgency of addressing wage issues as part of the consultations.
The last update to Venezuela’s Constitution occurred in 2009, following a narrow defeat of a previous proposal in 2007. A National Constituent Assembly was elected in 2017 amidst political tensions, proposing significant legislative initiatives, though it dissolved without drafting a new constitutional framework.
