Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado recently expressed cautious optimism about her country’s future following a meeting with President Donald Trump. Machado announced that Venezuela would hold “free and fair” elections “eventually,” even as Nicolás Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, remains in control. While Machado did not provide a specific timeline for these elections, she emphasized the necessity of an orderly transition first.
At a news conference in Washington hosted by the Heritage Foundation, Machado stated, “I am profoundly, profoundly confident that we will have an orderly transition.” Her remarks signal hope amid persistent turmoil, yet she stressed that the first steps toward true democracy involve dismantling the oppressive machinery that has characterized Maduro’s regime. “We are facing a very complex and delicate process,” she acknowledged, underscoring the significant challenges ahead.
According to Machado, security, the rule of law, and the release of political prisoners are crucial preconditions for credible elections. She rejected any immediate application of Venezuela’s constitutional election timelines, asserting that years of repression have severely undermined democratic institutions. The situation is further complicated by the fact that numerous political prisoners remain unaccounted for, and fear and coercion are still rampant throughout the country. “The fact that you are not in a prison doesn’t mean that you are free,” Machado remarked, reflecting the pervasive climate of oppression.
Her comments arrive at a moment when the Trump administration is facing criticism for lacking a clear electoral roadmap after the removal of longtime strongman Maduro on January 3. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has outlined a three-phase plan for Venezuela—comprising stabilization, recovery, and transition—but acknowledged that specifics surrounding the final phase are still unclear.
During her visit to Washington, Machado met privately with Trump and commended his commitment to pressuring Maduro’s government. She presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, a symbolic gesture that recognizes Trump’s involvement in Venezuelan affairs. Machado stated, “U.S. support has given Venezuelans renewed hope after years of repression and economic collapse.” Nevertheless, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty, particularly regarding Washington’s stance on Venezuela’s interim leadership.
Trump’s previously positive remarks about Rodriguez have provoked unrest among some opposition supporters, leading Machado to clarify that her competition with Rodriguez is not a matter of personal rivalry but rather focused on dismantling a criminal regime. “This has nothing to do with a tension or decision between Delcy Rodríguez and myself,” she said firmly. Her insistence on this point highlights the larger struggle to address Venezuelan governance beyond individual leadership battles.
Machado has characterized Rodriguez as “a communist” and an ally of oppressive regimes like those in Russia and China, asserting that Rodriguez “does not represent the Venezuelan people.” This assertion illustrates the stark divisions within Venezuela’s power dynamics and the ongoing battle for legitimacy in leadership.
As the transition unfolds, Machado has warned that it is rife with instability. Elements of the former regime must be dismantled, including intelligence units and detention centers, before genuine democratic institutions can be rebuilt and legitimate elections organized. She has also called for an inclusive electoral process that encompasses Venezuelans living abroad, stating emphatically, “Every single Venezuelan, living in Venezuela or abroad, should have the right to vote.”
Trump previously expressed skepticism about Machado’s ability to lead and suggested that she may lack sufficient domestic support. A CIA report has also indicated concerns regarding her backing within Venezuela. Machado responded by framing the transition as a collective effort rooted in popular will rather than solely her leadership. “This is not about me,” she stated. “It is about the will of the Venezuelan people.” Her focus on collective action points to a broader understanding of Venezuela’s struggles and aspirations.
Underlying Machado’s assertions is a critical recognition of the urgent need for security. She reiterated, “But without dismantling terror, there can be no real democracy.” Meanwhile, the White House has signaled its commitment to actively engage in Venezuela’s transition, claiming significant leverage over the interim authorities in Caracas. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration believes it possesses “maximum leverage” regarding economic and security decisions as the situation evolves.
In summary, Machado’s comments reflect both a sense of hope and the harsh realities facing Venezuela. The path toward democracy is fraught with obstacles, and her emphasis on security and the dismantling of oppressive systems serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities ahead. Venezuela’s struggle for a brighter future will hinge on the collective will of its people and the international community’s support.
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