Venezuelans in Santiago express hope and call to consolidate political change in their country

Santiago. – With messages of hope, unity, and democratic firmness, members of the Venezuelan community in this city held a gathering on Saturday night at the Plazoleta de la Información, at the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, where they affirmed that the moment Venezuela is experiencing represents “the beginning of a long-awaited change”, after years of political and social crisis. Carolina Martínez, one of the participants, assured that the current scenario constitutes a historic opportunity for millions of Venezuelans, especially for the more than nine million who have been forced to emigrate.

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“This is a hope, a beginning of something we have been waiting for years. Our country has lived a very sad situation and today we feel that the possibility of dreaming again opens up,” he expressed. Martínez explained that, prior to the gathering, they met at the Cathedral of Santiago as a symbolic gesture of reflection and faith, and highlighted the importance of the reunion between compatriots. “We needed to give each other that hug as Venezuelans. There are still steps to be taken, but the ultimate goal is clear: that all the people who have kidnapped our country leave and that the president we elected, Edmundo González Urrutia, along with Vice President María Corina Machado, takes office,” she stated, calling to maintain strength and solidarity among Venezuelans. The activity was organized by Paul Galván, who highlighted the relevance of the political moment Venezuela is going through and its impact on the diaspora. “For us, this has been too important. I have been out of Venezuela for more than nine years, like many others who had to leave, forced by the situation,” he pointed out. Galván maintained that what is currently happening marks “the beginning of the end of a regime that has held the country hostage for years” and affirmed that “a light at the end of the tunnel” is already perceived. In his opinion, this process will allow Venezuelans to return to work and develop in freedom. “Finally, the time has come to think of a free, democratic, and thriving Venezuela, as it always was,” he indicated.