On October 24, 2023, the Venezuelan government criticized Brazil’s veto of its BRICS entry, calling it a “hostile gesture”. This statement follows the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where 13 countries were invited to join the bloc but Venezuela was excluded. Brazilian officials cited concerns over the legitimacy of Maduro’s election as the basis for the veto, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and historical grievances between the two nations.
On Thursday, October 24, the Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning Brazil’s decision to veto its entry into BRICS, labeling the action as a “hostile gesture”. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry articulated that this maneuver was an extension of the “criminal policy of sanctions” against the nation. This statement was released following the conclusion of the BRICS summit which took place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24. In its communication, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry remarked that the resistance demonstrated by Brazil, particularly under the leadership of diplomat Eduardo Paes Saboia, echoed the previous veto imposed by former president Jair Bolsonaro. The government asserted that this action perpetuates a climate of “hatred, exclusion, and intolerance” directed at Venezuelans over the last decade, instigated by global power centers. The statement expressed that the Venezuelan populace is left feeling “indignation and shame” due to such a “inexplicable and immoral aggression” from Brazil. It further proclaimed that the continuation of Bolsonaro’s policies is an affront to the Bolivarian Revolution initiated by Commander Hugo Chávez. Additionally, the Venezuelan government expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for extending the invitation to the Kazan summit, maintaining that “no maneuver or trick will stop the course of history”. President Nicolás Maduro officially requested Venezuela’s admission to BRICS in May 2024. However, during prior negotiations to the summit, diplomatic sources reported that Brazil resisted Venezuela’s inclusion in the group. Ultimately, 13 nations were invited to join BRICS as partner states, including Turkey, Indonesia, and Algeria, but Venezuela was notably absent from this list. Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, disclosed at the summit that the leading nations within BRICS reached a consensus on the “criteria and principles” that will govern the bloc’s future expansion. He confirmed that there is collective agreement on the guiding principles for this growth, highlighting fundamental governance in the association. During discussions at the summit, President Vladimir Putin highlighted the divergence between Brazil and Russia regarding Venezuela’s BRICS entry. He affirmed Russia’s recognition of Nicolás Maduro’s legitimacy following the recent elections in Venezuela. Putin also noted discussions with President Lula regarding the importance of unanimous consent from all BRICS participants in regard to membership decisions. The basis for Brazil’s veto is rooted in its refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the recent electoral results in Venezuela. Maduro was declared the victor of the election held on July 28 by the National Electoral Council (CNE), a conclusion that is contested by the far-right opposition, who allege to have garnered over 80% of the electoral minutes, arguing that this should secure victory for their candidate Edmundo González Urrutia. However, the opposition has yet to present these claims to Venezuelan courts. In recent months, President Lula expressed skepticism regarding the Venezuelan election outcomes, urging both government and opposition to provide credible results, and even suggested the possibility of new elections.
The tension between Venezuela and Brazil regarding BRICS membership reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and historical grievances dating back to controversial electoral politics in Venezuela. Since Nicolás Maduro assumed power, his administration has faced numerous sanctions and diplomatic challenges, particularly from regional neighbors influenced by differing political ideologies. The BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—represents an alternative to Western political influences, making its expansion essential for many nations, including Venezuela. However, Brazil’s firm stance against recognizing Maduro’s government complicates Venezuela’s aspirations for bilateral cooperation within BRICS, underpinning the existing political frictions in the region.
In summary, Brazil’s recent veto of Venezuela’s application for BRICS membership has elicited a vehement response from the Venezuelan government, labeling the action as a continuation of historical animosities and unjust sanctions. The rejection underscores the ongoing political rift and highlights the complexities surrounding international recognition of electoral legitimacy in Venezuela. As BRICS navigates its future expansions, it remains essential for consensus among member states, as emphasized by Brazilian and Russian diplomatic interactions.
Original Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
