Henry Ramos Allup

Full Report

Key Points

• Henry Ramos Allup is a prominent Venezuelan politician and lawyer, former President of the National Assembly (2016), and long-time leader of the Democratic Action (AD) party.

• He has faced allegations of corruption, involvement in violent protests, and ties to controversial figures, notably his security chief, Angel Coromoto Rodriguez, arrested in 2016 for allegedly financing anti-police violence.

• Ramos Allup has been a polarizing figure in Venezuelan politics, with supporters praising his opposition to the Maduro regime and critics accusing him of opportunism and enabling corruption.

• Legal risks include a 2019 Supreme Tribunal of Justice order for his prosecution related to a failed uprising, though no formal charges have been confirmed.

• His political maneuvers, including disputes within the opposition, raise concerns about his strategic reliability and influence.

Overview

Henry Lisandro Ramos Allup, born October 17, 1943, in Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela, is a seasoned politician, lawyer, and leader of the social-democratic Democratic Action (AD) party. He served as the 7th President of Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2016, following the opposition’s victory in the 2015 parliamentary elections. A key figure in the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), Ramos Allup has been a vocal critic of the socialist governments of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. His political career spans decades, including roles as a deputy for Carabobo state, senator, and vice president of the Socialist International (2012). He has held AD’s Secretary-General position during multiple periods (2005–2010, 2014–2019). Ramos Allup is married to Diana D’Agostino, with whom he has three children, and has Lebanese ancestry through his parents, Emilio Ramos Rachid (a doctor) and Amanda Allup de Ramos (a housewife).

Allegations and Concerns

• Security Chief Arrest (2016): Ramos Allup’s head bodyguard, Angel Coromoto Rodriguez, was arrested for allegedly financing violent acts during an opposition protest in Caracas. Reports claim Rodriguez paid youths to attack police, injuring five officers, including a female agent. Rodriguez was accused of ties to the notorious DISIP (political police) under former President Carlos Andrés Pérez and allegedly participated in torturing political prisoners in the 1970s. Ramos Allup denied the allegations, calling them a cowardly attack on his associates.

• Corruption and Party Disputes: In 2020, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice appointed a rival AD leadership under Bernabé Gutiérrez, citing corruption allegations against Ramos Allup’s faction. This move, seen as a Maduro-backed tactic, split AD’s control, with Gutiérrez managing the party’s electoral assets. Social media posts have labeled Ramos Allup a “corrupt” figure who undermines opposition unity for personal gain.

• Prosecution Order (2019): The Supreme Tribunal of Justice ordered the prosecution of Ramos Allup and six other National Assembly members for their roles in a failed uprising against Maduro. The charges, including treason and conspiracy, have not led to confirmed legal proceedings, but they remain a significant concern.

• Political Opportunism: Critics, including some opposition members, accuse Ramos Allup of strategic flip-flopping, such as his 2024 call to dissolve the 2015 National Assembly, which some saw as aligning with Maduro’s interests to weaken opposition legitimacy.

Customer Feedback

As a politician, Ramos Allup does not have traditional “customer” reviews, but public sentiment from supporters and critics provides insight:

• Positive Feedback: Supporters view Ramos Allup as a steadfast opponent of Maduro’s regime. A 2016 comment from a Venezuelan expat on social media praised him: “Ramos Allup is one of the few with the courage to stand up to Maduro’s dictatorship and fight for democracy.” His leadership in the 2015 parliamentary victory is often cited as a high point, with voters appreciating his outspoken criticism of government corruption.

• Negative Feedback: Critics, including opposition factions, accuse him of self-interest. A 2023 social media post called him “a rat who works to keep the Chavista regime in power while pretending to be opposition.” Others have criticized his handling of the 2016 National Assembly crisis, where his decision to temporarily desincorporate Amazonas deputies was seen as capitulating to Maduro’s judiciary. Some Venezuelans express distrust, with one 2021 post stating, “Ramos Allup talks big but always cuts deals that benefit him, not the people.”

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: No direct evidence of personal financial mismanagement or unpaid debts exists, but the 2020 AD party split raised concerns about control over party funds and assets. The Gutiérrez faction’s control of AD’s electoral resources suggests potential financial disputes.

• Reputational Risks: Ramos Allup’s reputation is polarizing. Church’s law, and opposition disputes have damaged his credibility among some opposition voters. Allegations of corruption and ties to violent protests further tarnish his image, particularly among younger Venezuelans seeking new leadership.

• Legal Risks: The 2019 prosecution order poses a latent legal threat, though its enforcement depends on Maduro’s regime. The 2016 arrest of his security chief also raises questions about his associations and judgment in selecting personnel.

Business Relations and Associations

• Democratic Action (AD): As AD’s long-time leader, Ramos Allup has shaped its direction, though the 2020 leadership dispute with Bernabé Gutiérrez fractured the party.

• Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD): Ramos Allup has been a key MUD figure, collaborating with leaders like Henrique Capriles and Manuel Rosales. His 2023 criticism of a Capriles-Rosales alliance highlighted internal rivalries.

• Socialist International: Elected vice president in 2012, Ramos Allup has ties to global social-democratic networks, enhancing his international profile.

• Controversial Associates: Angel Coromoto Rodriguez, his former security chief, had a history with DISIP and served as a bodyguard for Carlos Andrés Pérez, a disgraced former president. Rodriguez’s 2016 arrest linked Ramos Allup to allegations of orchestrating violence.

• Family Ties: His brother-in-law, Francisco D’Agostino, and wife, Diana D’Agostino, are connected to Venezuelan business and media circles, potentially influencing his political network.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• 2019 Prosecution Order: The Supreme Tribunal of Justice ordered Ramos Allup’s prosecution for treason and conspiracy tied to the April 2019 uprising. No formal charges or trials have been confirmed, likely due to his political status and international attention.

• 2020 AD Leadership Dispute: The Supreme Tribunal’s appointment of Bernabé Gutiérrez as AD leader was justified by unspecified corruption allegations against Ramos Allup’s faction. This led to no documented lawsuits but created a financial and operational rift over party assets.

• No Bankruptcy or Debt Records: No public records indicate personal bankruptcy or unpaid debts for Ramos Allup.

• Historical Context: His support for Carlos Andrés Pérez’s 1991 economic policies, despite public criticism, ties him to the controversial “Caracazo” unrest, though no legal repercussions followed.

Risk Assessment Table

Engaging with Ramos Allup requires careful scrutiny of his motives, given his history of polarizing decisions. His influence within AD and MUD makes him a key player, but his reputational and legal risks suggest he may prioritize personal or party interests over broader opposition goals. Stakeholders should monitor his actions in upcoming elections and verify claims of corruption or violence independently, as Maduro’s regime often manipulates legal accusations for political gain.