Brazil condemned for the first time Nicolás Maduro's offensive against the opposition. He demanded that the regime respect the democratic opening pacts.
He thus reacted to the blockade of the leader appointed by Corina Machado. Under pressure, Chavismo agreed at the last minute to register a journalist and former diplomat as a candidate for the opposition alliance. The measure triggered a wave of international condemnations, including Brazil, a serious blow for Caracas. The tension with Brazil threatens to worsen. According to sources cited by that newspaper, Lula is considering publicly criticizing Maduro.