Speaking from Washington, Maria Corina Machado issued a strong warning on Thursday, asserting that Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, remains entrenched within the oppressive Chavista regime. She emphasized that any transition lacking justice and the dismantling of the control apparatus is doomed to fail.
Machado's remarks were shared on social media by political analyst Emmanuel Rincón and Venezuelan journalist Nitu Pérez Osuna following her speech to a bipartisan group of U.S. senators.
In her address, Machado highlighted the Venezuelan regime's historical tendency to "buy time" and exploit well-intentioned international efforts. She argued that Rodríguez represents a continuation, not a break, from the Chavista model that has plunged the nation into crisis.
The opposition leader stressed that genuine investment cannot be attracted in a situation where 86% of the population lives in poverty, the judiciary lacks independence, and private property rights are ignored.
Machado pointed out that recent U.S.-led law enforcement initiatives have sparked hope within and beyond the hemisphere, sending a clear message to criminal actors about the repercussions of their deeds.
During her intervention, she declared that the Chavista model is unsustainable and insisted that true reconciliation requires justice. It is insufficient to release political prisoners while the repressive system remains intact, hindering free expression.
Machado's cautions emerge amidst a divergence with President Donald Trump's strategy. The president defended his temporary alliance with Venezuela's interim leader, highlighting a desire to prevent chaos akin to Iraq's post-Saddam Hussein era. Trump warned that abruptly dismantling the power structure could lead to a perilous vacuum.
The White House emphasized that Rodríguez has met all of Washington's demands since assuming power following Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, including energy deals and security commitments. Presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt affirmed the president's satisfaction with the cooperation level, clarifying that the support is strategic and conditional.
Trump praised Rodríguez as a "fantastic person" and assured no military intervention as long as the agreed commitments are upheld. These remarks followed a meeting between Trump and Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, whom he described as a "good woman," despite acknowledging her lack of internal support to lead the initial transition phase.
Machado reiterated the popular mandate for profound political change, asserting her readiness, alongside Edmundo González Urrutia, to govern when the time is right. At The Heritage Foundation, she underscored the Venezuelan people's pivotal role in the transition and questioned the legitimacy of a process excluding them.
As Washington strengthens its engagement with Rodríguez, including a recent meeting between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Caracas officials, the Venezuelan opposition faces the challenge of not being sidelined in the political, economic, and security restructuring post-Maduro.
The contrast between Machado's warnings and Trump's strategic backing of Rodríguez underscores the central debate on Venezuela's immediate future.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Transition
Why does Maria Corina Machado criticize Delcy Rodríguez?
Machado criticizes Rodríguez because she views her as part of the Chavista regime, which she believes must be dismantled for a successful transition.
What are the conditions for true reconciliation in Venezuela, according to Machado?
According to Machado, true reconciliation requires justice and the dismantling of the repressive system, beyond the release of political prisoners.
What is President Trump's stance on Delcy Rodríguez?
President Trump supports Rodríguez conditionally, seeing her as a strategic ally to prevent chaos but remains cautious about fully dismantling the power structure.