MST Demands Freedom for President Maduro and Cilia at National Meeting
Solidarity with Venezuela became the political focus of the inaugural event, reaffirming that defending Maduro and Flores is also defending Latin American sovereignty against the U.S.
The 14th National Meeting brings together more than 3,000 activists in Salvador, Bahia. Photo: teleSUR
January 19, 2026 Hour: 3:37 pm
The Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) opened its 14th National Meeting on January 19 in Salvador, Bahia, with the participation of more than 3,000 activists from all regions of Brazil, coinciding with the organization’s 42nd anniversary.
At the opening, the MST demanded the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were kidnapped by the United States during the invasion of Venezuela. The slogan “Freedom for Maduro and Cilia Flores” marked the beginning of the meeting, reaffirming the internationalist solidarity of the Brazilian peasant movement.
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The meeting, held 15 years after the last edition, represents a moment of political alignment in the face of the national and international situation, with debates on Popular Agrarian Reform, the socialist struggle, and resistance against agribusiness and green capitalism.
The MST’s national leadership emphasized that the event is also a reflection on more than four decades of struggle and resistance, which have allowed for the settlement of over 450,000 families and sustained the hope of another 100,000 families currently camped out.
The program includes plenary sessions, debate series, cultural presentations, and an internationalist day, in addition to a political rally on Friday the 23rd with the participation of authorities, members of parliament, intellectuals, and representatives from the Venezuelan embassy.
“This will be a time for study and celebration, but also for reflecting on more than 40 years of struggle, resistance, courage, and life-changing experiences,” stated Eliane Oliveira, from the MST’s national leadership, highlighting that the gathering will renew the spirit of the peasant struggles.
Since its 2014 National Congress, the MST has deepened the concept of Popular Agrarian Reform, reorganizing its structures and proposals to confront the hegemony of agribusiness, mining, and new forms of capitalist exploitation.
The meeting also addresses international challenges, including the structural crisis of capitalism, wars, genocides, and environmental collapse, reaffirming the need for a People’s Project for Brazil and solidarity with peoples attacked by imperialism.
Author: HGV
Source: Agencias
