Nicolás Maduro, the socialist dictator of Venezuela, recently announced that the far-left coalition ALBA-TCP, known for its anti-U.S. and anti-Israel stance, aims to hold a summit in a “free Jerusalem” in the future. The Bolivarian Alliance for the People of Our America (ALBA-TCP) was formed in December 2004 in Havana, Cuba, by the late Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, with the goal of fostering cooperation among leftist Latin American leaders. Over the years, ALBA has diversified by including countries like Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Dominica, which share a similar ideological framework rooted in socialism and opposition to perceived imperialism.
On December 14, a significant gathering took place in Caracas, celebrating the 20th anniversary of ALBA. This summit included various notable leaders, such as Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel and Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega, alongside representatives from the Palestinian Authority. During the event, ALBA member states affirmed Palestine as a “brother country” and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. Maduro emphasized the bloc’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and expressed his vision of hosting a summit in Jerusalem, which he described as belonging to the “peoples” rather than “imperialist” forces. This declaration reaffirmed ALBA’s long-standing opposition to U.S. involvement in Latin America and its support for anti-Israel rhetoric.
Maduro’s statements were reiterated on social media, where he highlighted a meeting with Riyad al-Maliki, a special envoy from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. During this meeting, Maduro reiterated Venezuela’s commitment to supporting Palestine and condemned Israel’s policies. Al-Maliki praised Venezuela’s stance of not engaging diplomatically with Israel until their occupation of Palestinian lands ends, a policy that dates back to Hugo Chávez’s presidency. This support for Palestine was underscored by Maduro’s regime positioning itself as a champion of international law and moral clarity against perceived injustices.
Furthermore, the summit commemorated the significant 30th anniversary of the iconic meeting between Castro and Chávez, marking a turning point in contemporary Latin American history. This historical connection allowed Chávez to align with Castro’s revolutionary ideals, which continue to inspire ALBA’s current agenda. The recent ALBA declaration not only condemned Israel’s actions but also called for various social and political demands, such as lifting sanctions against the participating nations and removing Cuba from the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Moreover, it pressed for Puerto Rico’s independence from U.S. governance and sought reparations for historical injustices arising from colonialism.
Despite ALBA’s proclamations of democratic values, the backdrop of the summit raises questions about the authenticity of these claims, especially under Maduro’s regime, which orchestrated a fraught electoral process and has been involved in suppressing dissent. The meeting showed a trend where rhetorical commitments to democracy clash with the realities of authoritarian governance. Critics argue that while ALBA asserts its dedication to democratic ideals, the activities of its leadership contradict these principles, evidenced by the violent repression of opposition in Venezuela.
In summary, the declaration of ALBA regarding Palestine and Maduro’s vision of a “free Jerusalem” exemplifies the coalition’s broader geopolitical posture, merging anti-imperialist sentiment with regional solidarity. The relationships among ALBA member states are rooted in a shared ideology that promotes socialist principles while simultaneously asserting independence from Western influence. The summit served as a platform to reinforce longstanding alliances and ideological commitments, despite contradictions in the practices of member states. Maduro’s leadership continues to cultivate an anti-Western narrative, positioning Venezuela as a key player in this far-left coalition, while claiming to fight for justice on the international stage.
