From the protocolary hemicycle of the Legislative Power and broadcast on national radio and television, the head of State mentioned the progress and achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution in 2023, despite the “petty and particular interests” of the usual haters.

The mere fact of being here in peace, gathered to evaluate our life quality, in a world where colonialist regimes are imposed, allows us to affirm that our model of participative and protagonist democracy “not only works, but it is even more necessary to avoid social catastrophes.”

Maduro highlighted that the magnitude of achievements was reached in an “extreme and particular context,” and recalled that every day the empire systematically violates the Venezuelan people’s human rights by maintaining over 930 “criminal and illegal” sanctions.

The president underscored that each goal met must bear the clear, differentiating label of this time, made, built, designed, created and surpassed “in times of war and imperialist blockade.”

Maduro stated that 2023 was one of the most demanding, complex and laborious of the last decade, but also one of great goals accomplished, of much learning, to consolidate the road to prosperity, and assured that they will fulfil it in national unity.

There are no small numbers or indicators, we have all had to work twice as hard, he noted.

The head of State acknowledged that it has been difficult, but not impossible, and recalled the blockade’s effects on the oil sector, which has lost USD$323 billion due to the US sanctions and the blockade.

ef/omr/jha/jcd