The political comeback of Manuel Rosales: between controversy and hope

Manuel Rosales, an emblematic figure of the opposition in Venezuela, has once again taken center stage in the political arena by being mentioned as a possible presidential candidate to face Nicolás Maduro in the upcoming elections on July 28th. With a career marked by the fight against chavismo, Rosales, the current governor of Zulia state, positions himself as a relevant option in a scenario where the opposition seeks unity to compete effectively. After years of confrontations and persecutions by the chavista government, Rosales has managed to remain as an influential figure in Venezuelan politics. His historic candidacy against Hugo Chávez in the 2006 presidential elections and his role in the campaign for the "No" vote in the 2007 referendum on constitutional reforms have earned him a prominent place in the country's collective memory. However, his return to the political spotlight was marked by controversy. After a long exile in Peru, Rosales returned to Venezuela in 2015, being detained and subsequently placed under house arrest on accusations of illicit enrichment. Rosales' release in 2016, amidst a context of dialogue between the opposition and the Maduro government, sparked speculations about possible political agreements at play. Now, in the midst of an uncertain electoral scenario, Rosales' potential presidential candidacy poses a challenge for both the opposition and the ruling party. With María Corina Machado disqualified from holding public office, Rosales emerges as an alternative seeking to consolidate opposition unity and offer a solid platform to compete in the elections. The path towards the presidential elections in Venezuela is filled with obstacles and challenges. Political and social uncertainty in the country intertwines with the complexity of a scenario marked by years of polarization and confrontation. In this context, Manuel Rosales' figure gains relevance as a representative of the opposition with a vast political trajectory and a history marked by resistance against chavismo. The final decision on the opposition's presidential candidacy in Venezuela is yet to be defined, but the fact remains that Manuel Rosales' name has resurfaced as a voice seeking to pave the way in a tumultuous and challenging political landscape. The history of this Zulian politician, marked by ups and downs, persecutions, and electoral victories, intertwines with the uncertain present of a country facing one of the most critical moments in its recent history.