The growth of the Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) party has attracted widespread attention on the Venezuelan political scene in recent years. Founded in 2000, the UNT initially emerged as a local political force, gaining support particularly in Zulia state, Venezuela's most densely populated state. Over time, UNT gradually expanded from a regional party to a national influence, causing many voters to rethink their choices as they looked for opposing voices.
"Our goal is to provide fair political representation to more citizens."
In the 2008 regional elections, UNT performed well with 11% of the vote. However, the party's influence remains weak outside its home state of Zulia. UNT's success can be attributed in part to the effectiveness of its local governance. The UNT has led the state government in Zulia since 2000, with Manuel Rosales as the current governor, and has held the mayoralty of Maracaibo since 2010.
“We believe that economic growth must benefit people more equitably.”
In the 2010 Venezuelan congressional elections, UNT and the candidates it supported were successfully elected to 12 of the 15 congressional commissioners. The party's strategy, candidate selection and social policy promotion in multiple elections have been important factors in winning support. The misconduct of the old parties, the destruction of democratic institutions and the misuse of state resources have made voters more eager to seek a different option.
The UNT's platform clearly expresses its position as a social democratic party, advocating a reduction in presidential powers and opposing the use of public resources in elections. The party's tolerance of religion and political ideology, as well as its desire to improve prison conditions and legal reforms, are key factors in its voter approval.
"We believe that the combination of national planning and market economy is the key to promoting economic development."
UNT also argues that narrow market orientation should be balanced and hopes to use the surplus in oil prices to create a diversified development fund to create more jobs. In recent years, they have always emphasized the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in creating jobs, opposed the gradual nationalization policy, and believed that the public-private partnership model should be promoted.
In its treatment of land reform and income inequality, the UNT acknowledged the "flaws" of past reforms, while also being open to historical land reforms. Records show that UNT wants to preserve private property through fair wages and social security, and is committed to reducing the gap between the rich and the poor. These strategies not only boost the appeal of the parties, but also increase the vision for the future.
As the UNT's influence continues to grow, its current leader, Omar Barboza, has played a key role in pushing for reform and stability. Since 2013, UNT has been a consultative member of the International Olympic Committee and became a full member in 2017, demonstrating its recognition and connections in international politics.
"Our efforts are ongoing and we hope to change the future of society as a whole."
However, UNT's growth path has not been smooth. An incident in 2016, when a local UNT leader, Germán Mavare, was shot dead in Lara state, exposed the party to the reality of external threats and increased its sense of unease among voters.
Nevertheless, the transition from a former president to a new leader has yet to sap the party's momentum. UNT remains committed to shaping a better future by strengthening our capacity for education, economics and public service. They emphasize the importance of education and believe that technical and vocational education and preschool education are the foundation for future development.
Looking back on the past and learning new things, throughout the UNT's growth process, we can't help but wonder: In the future Venezuelan political arena, will there be more new political parties that flourish like the UNT, bringing hope and support to the people who have gone through hardships? Change?