Venezuelan pastor fills presidential void left by opposition
Source: Associated Press
Venezuelan pastor fills presidential void left by opposition
By RICARDO NUNES and JOSHUA GOODMAN
Today
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) With two months to go before Venezuelas presidential election, the only challenger to jump in the ring against President Nicolas Maduro is a little-known television evangelist who was once arrested for fuel smuggling and has a range of business ventures.
Despite his questioned past and the steep odds against him, the Rev. Javier Bertucci claims that he uniquely speaks to the vast majority of struggling Venezuelans disillusioned with both the opposition and Maduros unpopular government.
Im the only one who can guarantee the governability of the country, Bertucci said in an interview. Ive traveled the country for eight years, seen the tears of mothers. ... No other leader can awaken the aching hearts of the Venezuelans.
But some anti-government activists see his longshot candidacy, which so far doesnt have the backing of any party, as dividing the opposition and lending undeserved legitimacy to Maduros re-election attempt. It also underscores the rising political influence of fast-growing protestant churches in Latin America, where a born-again singer is the front-runner to be Costa Ricas next president and an evangelical bishop is now mayor of Rio de Janeiro.
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