Venezuela's Far-Right 'Unity' Crumbles: MUD General Secretary Resigns

The Venezuelan far-right opposition continues to fade and disintegrate, as demonstrated by José Luis Cartaya’s resignation from his position as general secretary of the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) on Friday, December 20, after being an active member of the party for 12 years.

Cartaya addressed his resignation letter to the far-right former presidential candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, and to the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE), through its Commission for Political Participation and Financing, headed by Aymeé Nogal.

Cartaya has no notable political profile. However, he is close to Democratic Action (AD) politicians Henry Ramos Allup, Manuel Rosales (now in Un Nuevo Tiempo party), and Ramón Guillermo Aveledo.

In the letter, the former general secretary of the MUD explained that his decision to leave office and renounce membership of the party is due to “personal issues.”

“Dear friends and fellow fighters, this is to inform you that for personal reasons I am immediately resigning from the post of General Secretary and from the party membership that I have had for the past twelve years,” the letter reads.

Cartaya’s resignation may have significant consequences for the MUD, as there is a possibility that this decision could lead to the dissolution of the party according to the norms of the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Supreme Court of Justice.

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For several years, numerous political personalities and sectors have criticized and introduced legal resources questioning the legality of the MUD that is an umbrella platform for multiple political parties, thus contradicting the basic political party rule of no double membership.

In addition, any change in the leadership of the MUD could affect its internal dynamics and political strategy, especially because regional elections will be held in 2025.

Earlier on Friday, another important figure of the far-right political scene, Fernando Martínez Mottola, left the Argentinian embassy in Caracas and voluntarily presented himself at the Attorney General’s Office. Since March, Martínez Mottola was hiding in the Argentinian embassy alongside five other far-right politicians who are also wanted by the Venezuelan judiciary. This represents another blow to the far-right “unity.”

(RedRadioVE) by Ana Perdigón, with Orinoco Tribune content

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

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