Crisis in Venezuela and scandal in Peru over congress members validating Maduro.

With the crumbling credibility of Nicolás Maduro's regime, the political situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, while controversy extends to Peruvian congress members who traveled to 'certify' widely questioned elections. The recent intervention of the Carter Center, which has stated that last Sunday’s elections did not meet international standards for electoral integrity, has exposed the farce underlying Maduro's supposed victory. This statement has reinforced the position of the regime's opponents, who argue that the electoral process was marked by irregularities and an atmosphere of repression. Maduro's defense rhetoric has taken a predictable turn, characterized by attacks on the credibility of institutions that criticize his government. In one of his latest conferences, the president took the liberty of delegitimizing the Carter Center, ironically questioning the institution's response to allegations of fraud in the 2020 U.S. elections. This victimization strategy seems to be an attempt to divert attention from the criticisms but has failed to convince the international community, which continues to closely monitor the Venezuelan crisis. Meanwhile, in Peru, the congress members who traveled to Venezuela to validate the electoral process are facing increasing scrutiny. These include Kelly Portalatino, María Agüero, Elizabeth Taipe, and Guillermo Bermejo, who have attempted to justify their presence in Caracas as part of an observation mission. However, what has drawn attention is the lack of transparency regarding the funding of their trip, a detail that has not gone unnoticed by the public or the media. The revelation that the trips of these congress members were financed by the Chavista dictatorship has generated outrage. Sources close to the parties confirmed this information, which calls into question the ethics and integrity of the involved parliamentarians. In a context where political credibility is crucial, the relationship of these legislators with a regime that is widely criticized for human rights violations and corruption raises serious doubts about their representativeness. Additionally, the coincidence of their trip with President Dina Boluarte's message to Congress on July 28 has been seen as an act of disloyalty to their own country. This attitude has led some experts to suggest that these congress members may face actions in the Ethics Commission of Congress, a step that many consider necessary to safeguard the integrity of Peruvian politics. The case of congress member Portalatino is even more complex. Her absence from the Public Ministry, where she was supposed to clarify her links with the fugitive Vladimir Cerrón, has increased pressure on her and generated calls for her mandatory appearance. This fact highlights the lack of accountability and the culture of impunity that have characterized some sectors of Peruvian politics. The situation underscores the need for a deep debate about the role of legislators in defending democracy and human rights. It cannot be forgotten that by accepting funding from a dictatorial regime, these representatives are, in essence, betraying the democratic principles and values they are supposed to defend. This episode should serve as a wake-up call for citizens and a reminder of the importance of transparent and ethical politics. Citizens have the right to demand clear and coherent explanations from their representatives, as well as to insist that they act in the best interest of the country rather than as apostles of tyrants. At a time when democracy faces threats in various parts of the world, it is crucial for political leaders in Peru and anywhere on the planet to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and justice. History has shown that complicity with authoritarian regimes only leads to delegitimization and a loss of public trust. As this episode concludes, the four congress members will be in the eye of the storm, facing not only scrutiny of their actions but also the eternal question of their loyalty to the homeland in the face of the seduction of foreign power. Ultimately, politics should be a service to the people, not a safe passage for those who choose to ignore reality in the name of personal or ideological interests.