Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado had a phone conversation with former President Donald Trump following her receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump shared details of the call, stating that Machado expressed she was accepting the award "in his honor." "The winner called me. She said she is accepting it in my honor because I deserve it. I didn’t ask for it; it was a lovely gesture. She's very good. I've been supporting her. They need a lot of help in Venezuela," Trump remarked.
The former president emphasized his support for Machado and the democratic movement in Venezuela, reiterating the country's significant need for assistance. He did not provide further details about the call or any specific actions, but underscored his backing of the opposition leader. Trump's public reference to this communication marks it as a politically significant move, highlighting Machado's role and positioning the United States as a crucial player in the international support for the Venezuelan opposition.
No immediate statements were released by Machado regarding the phone call. On Friday, during an interview with El Mundo, the opposition leader described the acknowledgment linked to the Nobel Peace Prize as a "boost of energy," associating it with the "heroic struggle" of the Venezuelan people against a "criminal regime." She believes it signifies that "Venezuela is on the threshold of freedom."
Machado conveyed that the international support "sends a clear signal" about the nature of Nicolás Maduro's government and the urgent need for international action to support a democratic transition. She declared that Latin America and Europe "stand with us" and highlighted the support of the Spanish people, along with powerful governments now aligning with the Venezuelan cause. "I have no doubt that Venezuela's freedom is very near," she stated, interpreting the recognition as a global message reinforcing the value of Venezuelan civil society.
Key Insights on María Corina Machado's Nobel Recognition
Why did María Corina Machado receive the Nobel Peace Prize?
María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership in the opposition against the authoritarian regime in Venezuela and her efforts to promote democracy.
What did Donald Trump say about his conversation with Machado?
Donald Trump shared that Machado told him she was accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in his honor, acknowledging his support for her and the Venezuelan cause.
How did Machado describe the international support for Venezuela?
Machado described the international support as a clear signal of the nature of Nicolás Maduro's government and emphasized the necessity of global action to aid Venezuela's democratic transition.