Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during the the graduation and promotion ceremony for cadets of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB), held at the Military University in Caracas, Monday, July 7, 2025. Photo: Presidential Press.
President Nicolás Maduro has confirmed the continuation of the current military high command during the graduation and promotion ceremony for cadets of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB), to ensure stability and cohesion within the military institution at a crucial moment for the nation, particularly given the upcoming July 27 elections.
The ratification, conducted this Monday, July 7, maintains General Vladimir Padrino in his position as defense minister, consolidating his leadership and experience at the helm of the ministry while crushing far-right rumors about his dismissal.
General Domingo Hernández Lárez will continue to lead the Strategic Operational Command of the FANB (CEOFANB), a key position for the planning and execution of military operations. Likewise, the commanders of the various military components, including the Bolivarian Army, the Bolivarian Navy, the Bolivarian Air Force, the Bolivarian National Guard, and the Bolivarian Militia, will retain their current responsibilities. This measure is intended to both strengthen the existing command structure and foster internal cohesion.
In announcing this decision, President Maduro emphasized the imperative for the FANB to thoroughly prepare for Plan RepĂşblica, essential to guaranteeing the security and peaceful conduct of elections. Consequently, the president highlighted the importance of being “in tune” with Plan RepĂşblica‘s requirements, which underscores the FANB’s responsibility to protect the democratic process and safeguard popular will.
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“We have the Plan RepĂşblica, folks. We must be in tune with the Plan RepĂşblica,” President Maduro stated to the recent graduates and promotees as a clear directive and call to action. “So the Higher General Staff has been ratified,” he continued, “we are going to follow the Plan RepĂşblica, and we will continue to advance all the Higher General Staff’s plans.”
Additionally, President Maduro emphasized the need to accelerate the Ayacucho Plan, a comprehensive transformation program within the FANB. This plan covers organizational strengthening, morale, doctrine, and weapons system enhancement, the ultimate goal of which is to guarantee peace through independence, equality, and justice.
“Peace in Venezuela is written with a capital P for Patria (homeland), a free and sovereign homeland,” the head of state concluded, reaffirming the commitment of the government and the FANB to defending national sovereignty. The high command’s ratification reinforces the president’s confidence in the current military leadership, as well as ensuring the FANB will maintain its ongoing strategic and operational course, facing future challenges with consolidated leadership.
(RedRadioVE) by Jhulimar Fraga with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/AU
