Maduro Promotes Key Figures From 1992 Coup Attempt, Signaling Loyalty Test Within Military
CARACAS – Venezuelan President nicolás Maduro has promoted three retired military officers who participated in the February 4, 1992 coup attempt led by Hugo chávez, a move analysts interpret as a bid to consolidate power amid escalating pressure from the United States. The ascents – of Francisco Arias Cárdenas, Wilmar Castro Soteldo, and another unnamed officer – where formalized during the twentieth anniversary of the Operational Strategic Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (CEOFANB) on September 27.
maduro justified the promotions,citing the trio’s “vast experience and a past weight” within the FANB and the “Bolivarian Revolution.”
Retired analysts and military figures view the decision as a political maneuver to strengthen Maduro’s base. José Antonio Colina, a retired military officer and president of the Venezuelan Persecuted Politicians in Exile (VEPPEX), stated the message is clear: “The original Chavistas are wiht Maduro.” Colina noted these officers were previously marginalized by Chávez himself, and Maduro is now attempting to “buy loyalties” and neutralize perceptions that other historical leaders, such as former Minister Miguel Rodríguez Torres, might be facilitating a U.S.-backed political transition.
Carlos Hurtado, also a retired military officer, suggested Maduro is attempting to rally more of Chávez’s former comrades to form a “defense front” against a potential direct attack from Washington, though he questioned the effectiveness of the message, stating the promoted officers “no longer have leadership reference.”
The promotion of Francisco Arias Cárdenas is notably noteworthy, given his historically complex and frequently enough critical relationship with the Chavismo leadership.Arias Cárdenas previously served as governor of Zulia state and retired from his diplomatic post in Mexico amid allegations of corruption. He also faced internal obstacles, including being barred from running for regional office and accusations of irregularities during the 2021 PSUV primaries.
Maduro praised Wilmar Castro Soteldo, currently a rector at the University of Hydrocarbons, as part of the “Gold Generation” who ”ran all the risks” during the 1992 coup attempt, calling him a “1992 gold rebel.”
