International
The presidential elections of Venezuela, under the critical gaze of the international community

Venezuela has been in the spotlight of the international community, especially since March, when the majority opposition denounced obstacles to register its presidential candidate of July 28, Corina Yoris.
This raised a swell of criticism to which leftist leaders close to the Government were joined, such as the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, or the Brazilian, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Petro described the disqualifications of opponents as an “anti-democratic coup,” and Lula described as “serious” and without explanation “political or legal” the impediments to register Yoris, chosen by the alliance in the face of the sanction that weighs on María Corina Machado – winner of the anti-Chavista primaries-, which prevents her from occupying public positions of popular election until 2036.
Likewise, former Uruguayan President José ‘Pepe’ Mujica recently expressed that the situation in Venezuela is “unfortunate”, where “it seems that they play democracy, but they do not play democracy.”
Meanwhile, the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, in a kinder, but, above all, more ambiguous tone, asked that Venezuela be allowed to vote “in freedom,” a reaction that was well received by both the Government and the opposition.
According to internationalist Félix Arellano, these positions show an “important change” in that “Latin American left” that, to a large extent, has supported the Caribbean country with a “mechanical and uncritical solidarity.”
“These statements by Pepe Mujica, Petro and Lula have a new look at the Venezuelan situation,” Arellano said.
These questions, he said, mark “more distances” from the Government “from the left-wing parties and governments in the world.”
For the expert, the “conjuncture is not proving favorable” to the Executive, because “there is an increasingly strong crusade of the international community in favor of competitive conditions” for the presidential elections.
“At this moment, it seems that only Cuba, Nicaragua and, to some extent, Mexico, are more committed to the Venezuelan Government and, obviously, actors of world geopolitics, such as Russia and China,” he said.
Arellano believes that a new distancing would play against Venezuela, which “has shown interest in maintaining some minimum of negotiation with the international community, particularly with the United States” due to “the issue of sanctions,” whose relief allowed to expand its cooperation with energy companies around the world.
The extension of a few hours to the deadline to register candidates granted by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to the PUD, which presented to the internationalist Edmundo González Urrutia, could, according to Arellano, show that “there is concern about the position of the international community.”
In addition to Colombia and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru and the United States. The United States, as well as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union (EU), expressed their concern about the development of the electoral process.
For Chavista deputy Roy Daza, there is “disinformation from some government spokespersons” and “personalities from the Latin American and European political world.”
According to he told EFE, “an attempt is made to manipulate, with lies and falsehoods, what is happening in Venezuela,” where the process of applying candidates “was fulfilled,” with the registration of 13 candidates and the participation of 37 parties.
In his opinion, Lula has a “biased information,” while Petro has lent himself “to a hoax.”
However, Daza is confident that this situation will not affect Venezuela’s relations with Latin American countries, which “are maintained and developed very efficiently.”
He announced that the commission will send communications to regional parliaments and the US Congress, in defense of the electoral system and in rejection of “interference.”
President Nicolás Maduro criticized that “right-wing” and “cowardly left” governments try to “intervene in Venezuela’s internal affairs.”
Meanwhile, the head of Parliament, Jorge Rodríguez, urged Petro, Lula and Mujica to put “their opinions wherever they fit.”
Arellano warned that, with these reactions, “a favorable environment is not created” and distances can be increased, which has consequences, he added, on economic relations and political support.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston

Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation

A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
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