Venezuela, the current crisis in the light of the democratic achievements of January 23, 1958

Maison Suger is pleased to host the round table organized by the Venezuelan associations that make Paris their home - Diaspora Venezuela-France.

In 1958, an alliance of communist, center-left, social-democrat and social-Christian parties joined forces with trade unions and students to fight against the dictatorship of General Marcos Pérez Jiménez. After strikes, massive popular demonstrations and the rallying of the armed forces, the dictatorship came to an end on January 23, 1958. This historic moment ushered in a democratic period of stability and progress that would last 40 years, until Hugo Chávez came to power. Today, as in the past, an unprecedented opposition alliance brings together parties from across the political spectrum: ex-Chavist, Communist, Social Democrat, Progressive Center and Social Christian. During the presidential elections of July 28, 2024, this coalition achieved an unprecedented feat: collecting 85.15% of the minutes, digitizing them and publishing them on the website: http://resultadosconvzla.com; thus demonstrating Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia's undisputed victory with 76% of the vote. On January 10, 2025, Nicolás Maduro illegally installed himself as President of the Republic, perpetrating a coup d'état. For democratic forces, the challenge now is to assert the will of the people in a country where Maduro's totalitarian regime applies state terrorism. For democratic forces, it is now a question of asserting the popular will in a country where Maduro's totalitarian regime is applying state terrorism. This conference will approach this struggle and the current political crisis in the light of the democratic conquests of January 23, 1958, and will provide an opportunity to better understand the dynamics shaping Venezuela's future and the challenges facing the country.

• Fréderique Langue: Historian and director of research at the CNRS
• Eddie Ramirez: Engineer and co-author of the book: Construction et destruction d'un pays, les présidences du Venezuela entre 1900-2020
• Pedro José García Sanchez: Lecturer in sociology at Paris Nanterre University
• Vladimiro Mujica: Scientist and political analyst. Vice-president of MCVM. Movimiento Ciudadano Venezolanos en el Mundo
• Moderator: Renée Fregossi: philosopher and political scientist