Maduro Presents Constitutional Amendments Plan to Enhance Democracy and Steer 'Durable' Economic Direction
Fresh Take:
Mexico City, Mexico, February 20, 2025 (Our Platform) - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro unveiled a sweeping reform proposal, aimed at reshaping democracy and crafting a long-term economic strategy for the country.
"Let's kick off a nationwide conversation, so that Venezuelan citizens can play a leading role in this historic overhaul—adapting the 1999 Constitution to the modern era," said Maduro during a Saturday event at the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas.
The event marked the formation of a National Commission, tasked with overseeing the reform process. Members include Attorney General Tarek William Saab, Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, lawmakers Hermann Escarrá and Cilia Flores, Supreme Court of Justice President Caryslia Rodríguez; National Electoral Council (CNE) President Elvis Amoroso; and Minister of Defense General Vladimir Padrino López.
A preliminary plan includes approximately 80 articles targeting the 1999 constitution's amendment, initially approved by Venezuelan citizens following a broad consultative process guided by a Constituent Assembly in the aftermath of Hugo Chávez's presidency.
The reform's primary intention is to modernize the state, allowing it to better listen to and cater to the needs of the grassroots, specifically the communes. Maduro believes that over the past 25 years, progress has been made in the political realm, and the country is ripe for further development in this sector.
Recently, Venezuelans participated in the third "National Popular Consultation," voting on community projects for government funding as part of a grassroots initiative launched in 2024. This initiative aimed to address local issues through communal assemblies.
While the proposal's economic aspects have yet to be outlined in detail, Maduro made it clear that recovery and a path toward a resilient economy are top priorities. By diversifying the economy and fostering self-sufficient local production, Venezuela hopes to become less vulnerable to external economic pressures.
The US-imposed sanctions, also known as "unilateral coercive measures," have made it difficult for Venezuela to sell its primary export, oil, in international markets and secure investment. Consequently, the economy has suffered significantly.
"Today, we're advocating for an innovative, self-sustaining economy that will also birth a social model of equality," said Maduro during a recent session of the National Commission. The deadline for this economic proposal is set in 90 days.
The process will prioritize intense engagement between the government and Venezuelan society, culminating in a national referendum for the final project's approval.
The National Federation of Public Employees (Fedeunep) hopes that the reforms will benefit the country's public-sector workers, addressing long-standing demands, such as converting bonuses into regular wages.
According to Fedeunep's Antonio Suárez, they anticipate being part of the wide-ranging consultations, emphasizing the urgency to tackle the issue of wages.
Venezuela's Constitution was last updated in 2009, following a previous proposal being narrowly rejected in 2007. A National Constituent Assembly elected in 2017 put forward significant legislative initiatives, despite ultimately disbanding without drafting a new Magna Carta proposal.
Edited by Ricardo Vaz in Caracas.
Insight: The proposed reforms, as analyzed in recent evaluations, focus on reorganizing the political structure and strengthening communal governance, with a thrust on local self-management (autogestión) and direct democracy. Critics, however, argue that this could lead to tighter control over local dissent.
Other aspects of the reforms include economic reorientation towards a "social state," prioritizing communal enterprises and cooperative economics. This shift is aimed at reducing dependence on the oil industry and combating the economic impact of ongoing US sanctions.
- Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro offered a policy-and-legislation reform in 2025, aiming to modernize the state and better cater to the needs of the grassroots, particularly the communes.
- The reform process includes the formation of a National Commission, which includes prominent figures like Attorney General Tarek William Saab and Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, tasked with overseeing the changes.
- The National Federation of Public Employees (Fedeunep) hopes that the reforms will benefit the country's public-sector workers, addressing long-standing demands such as converting bonuses into regular wages.
- Critics argue that the proposed reforms could lead to tighter control over local dissent as they focus on reorganizing the political structure and strengthening communal governance.
