Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, emphasized on Wednesday that Venezuela is experiencing "decisive hours" amid the deployment of U.S. military forces off the country's coast and escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro's regime.
Speaking at a forum organized by the IDEA Group at Miami Dade College, which gathered former Ibero-American leaders, Machado urged both Venezuelans and the international community not to remain passive during what she described as a historic moment for Latin America.
"What is happening in Venezuela is not merely a national issue; it is a turning point for the entire region," she stated. The opposition leader called on democratic governments across Latin America to support the political transition, which she asserted would herald the beginning of "a profound and lasting transformation."
Machado highlighted that Venezuela stands "on the threshold of freedom" and assured that the transition would be "orderly, peaceful, and irreversible."
During her address, she outlined her plans to assume immediate institutional and territorial control, address the humanitarian crisis, and promote transparency in public finances and deep economic reforms if she comes to power.
"From day one, we will restore order, tackle the crisis, and build a transparent government that restores trust to Venezuelans," she declared, emphasizing that citizen unity is "the guarantee of a non-violent transition."
The event featured prominent figures such as José María Aznar, Álvaro Uribe, and Osvaldo Hurtado, who joined Machado in discussing democratic challenges in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
The opposition leader warned the international community to remain vigilant against the potential for violent repression by the regime, as the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford operates near Venezuela's coast as part of Washington's strategy against drug trafficking and transnational crime.
"Venezuela has the potential to become Latin America's miracle of the 21st century," Machado asserted, reiterating that the change will be peaceful yet unavoidable.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Transition
What role does María Corina Machado envision in Venezuela's future?
María Corina Machado plans to assume immediate control, address the humanitarian crisis, and implement transparency and economic reforms.
Why is the international community's support crucial for Venezuela?
Machado believes that international backing is essential for a peaceful transition and to prevent potential violent repression by the regime.
What is the significance of the U.S. military presence near Venezuela?
The U.S. military presence, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, is part of a strategy to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime.