The former executive secretary of the opposition coalition justified his departure by citing a lack of strategic consensus following the electoral victory on July 28, stating that internal divisions and fear of leaks are weakening the fight for democracy. He criticized the parties for acting “separately” at such a critical moment. His resignation was communicated via a letter.
Guacamaya, March 13, 2025. Venezuelan politician Omar Barboza announced his irrevocable resignation as executive secretary of the Democratic Unitary Platform after nearly three years in the role, citing the inability to forge unified agreements amid the “complex situation” facing the country.
In a public letter, the leader emphasized that, despite the coalition’s initial success culminating in the opposition’s victory on July 28, 2024, the current divisions among the parties make it impossible to establish a common strategy to confront Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Barboza recalled that the Unitary Platform emerged in May 2022 with the goal of driving political change through elections, overcoming obstacles such as “officialist advantages.” He highlighted the achievement of the primaries as a mechanism for cohesion and described the results of July 28 as a “historic triumph for the people.” However, he stressed that, in this new phase, the lack of sincere dialogue and the proliferation of fragmented positions have undermined the capacity for collective action.
“It is no longer feasible for my presence here to contribute to keeping us united,” admitted the former secretary, who criticized the delays in approving key initiatives, such as the defense of citizens’ rights, due to endless partisan consultations. He also pointed out that the “fear of leaks” has hindered transparent debates, which, coupled with the “reduction of his role to administrative tasks,” led him to make this decision.
Although he thanked the parties for their trust and defended having maintained “institutional balance” despite his political affiliation, Barboza avoided consulting his resignation beforehand to “not prolong a process difficult to conceal.” He suggested that the Platform temporarily rotate the responsibility of convening meetings until a successor is appointed.
