Life in Venezuela Has Not Stopped
Published in Juventude Rebelde
(Cuba) on 24 November 2025
by Marina Menéndez Quintero (link to
original)
Amid aggressive threats from the United States, this Sunday’s high turnout in the fourth Popular Consultation in Venezuela demonstrates support for Bolivarian institutions that those threats have failed to corral.
On the contrary, threats from Washington may have strengthened a sense of unity and sovereignty among citizens who want peace, even if it means preparing for possible war to ensure it.
This Sunday's referendum reinforces the Bolivarian project and marks a new step forward for its democracy, providing greater evidence of a communal decision-making capacity in which the population has had a voice in choosing socioeconomic projects to be implemented in the immediate future.
Commenting on the vote, founder of the El Maizal Commune and Minister of Communes Ángel Prado said that the aim is to strengthen an organizational model that facilitates the establishment of priorities and the implementation of projects originating at the grassroots level.
The polls were open in 8,630 polling stations established in 5,336 community circuits throughout the country, he said. In total, more than 36,000 project proposals were submitted for implementation with state funding, evidence of a process of decentralization in decision-making at the territorial level and greater commitment to these projects on the part of the population.
In statements reported by Telesur, Planning Minister Ricardo Menéndez explained that the Popular Consultation represents a paradigm shift that changes the way public policy is made in the country. In this shift in planning methodology, the national budget is formulated on the basis of projects and needs discussed in each community assembly. The assemblies were organized the day before the vote on Sunday.
However, turning out to vote in such large numbers is also a show of support for the process, something that should be taken into account by Washington at a time when the U.S. military deployment looming over Venezuela — as well as Latin America and the Caribbean — would be enough to unleash a war.
Yet, the aggressive rhetoric of the chief figure in the White House shows signs of de-escalation; according to the polls, 70% of U.S. citizens are speaking out against military aggression. Venezuelans sent him a message on Sunday that must also be heard.
On the contrary, threats from Washington may have strengthened a sense of unity and sovereignty among citizens who want peace, even if it means preparing for possible war to ensure it.
This Sunday's referendum reinforces the Bolivarian project and marks a new step forward for its democracy, providing greater evidence of a communal decision-making capacity in which the population has had a voice in choosing socioeconomic projects to be implemented in the immediate future.
Commenting on the vote, founder of the El Maizal Commune and Minister of Communes Ángel Prado said that the aim is to strengthen an organizational model that facilitates the establishment of priorities and the implementation of projects originating at the grassroots level.
The polls were open in 8,630 polling stations established in 5,336 community circuits throughout the country, he said. In total, more than 36,000 project proposals were submitted for implementation with state funding, evidence of a process of decentralization in decision-making at the territorial level and greater commitment to these projects on the part of the population.
In statements reported by Telesur, Planning Minister Ricardo Menéndez explained that the Popular Consultation represents a paradigm shift that changes the way public policy is made in the country. In this shift in planning methodology, the national budget is formulated on the basis of projects and needs discussed in each community assembly. The assemblies were organized the day before the vote on Sunday.
However, turning out to vote in such large numbers is also a show of support for the process, something that should be taken into account by Washington at a time when the U.S. military deployment looming over Venezuela — as well as Latin America and the Caribbean — would be enough to unleash a war.
Yet, the aggressive rhetoric of the chief figure in the White House shows signs of de-escalation; according to the polls, 70% of U.S. citizens are speaking out against military aggression. Venezuelans sent him a message on Sunday that must also be heard.
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