"Chávez is afraid of me"

The day after what is regarded as a triumph in its own right, a smiling, relaxed Leopoldo López welcomed us at the head offices of opposition Voluntad Popular party. After three years filled with stress and anxiety, he is keenly aware that the decision issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR Court) to reestablish his political rights does not ensure his running for Venezuelan president, provided always that he will win the primaries. He is also aware, though, that the Venezuelan government is at a crossroads, where either choice will be worse than the other one.

The IACHR Court decision disclosed on Friday (September 16) looks like a substantial victory for you. However, is it not a relative victory, taking into account that the final word on your enablement rests on (Venezuelan President) Hugo Chávez?

It is a very important victory, not only an individual one, but also for all of us, who claim our rights (...) Now, the issue of fight for rights, especially human rights, is the centerpiece of the political debate and the Venezuelan State has no choice, but abiding by it. The Constitution is very clear with regard to observance of the decisions from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as set forth in articles 23 and 31.

In the past, the government has failed to observe many times the constitutional mandate.

Yes, but in this case, it is the core of the government legitimacy, namely, the electoral issue. For this reason, I am positive that the government has no way, but observing such decision.

There will be necessarily two statements. One demanded by the government from the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ); another required by the IACHR Court from the National Electoral Council (CNE) to accept your enrollment as a candidate. Do you believe that two branches subdued to the Executive Office will be able to make a sovereign decision?

I do think so. The Court judgment left no room for construction. It is not an ambiguous judgment. It is pretty clear (...) Again, the State is to observe the decision.

Government spokespersons point, as part of the reasons to contest the IACHR Court decision, to the need to fight corruption. In other words, they accuse you of corruption.

I am not guilty of all the charges made against me. Had I committed a crime, I was supposed to face trial. I was not prosecuted, sentenced, or subject to the Venezuelan justice. Therefore, I had an international victory in my case. The government should not speak of corruption, as it has been unable to face the huge, numerous cases of any kind of corruption all these years.

Are you saying that they cannot claim the moral high ground to accuse anybody of corruption?

No, they cannot, and I think that Venezuelans have witnessed a dual speech. A cat with a straw tail keeps away from fire; as I do not have a straw tail, I went straight to the core of fire. I have been under scrutiny, both of domestic and foreign bodies. Had I been guilty, I would have not sought this proceeding in search of reinstatement.

I wonder if the president, at bottom, is afraid of confronting you in election.

That was the reason for the ban in 2008. We were to win Caracas Metropolitan Mayoralty with 70% of support. Barring me from public office promptly and clearly, at that time, showed that the government was afraid.

You mean, the president.

Absolutely.

Specifically, the president is afraid of you.

Absolutely.

Translated by Conchita Delgado