During the Munich Security Conference, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared that once the regime in Venezuela is dismantled, "Cuba will be the next" to follow, with Nicaragua trailing behind. She described this as a path towards liberating the Americas from "communism and dictatorship."
In remarks reported by Europa Press during the international forum in the Bavarian capital, Machado emphasized the necessity of moving "from declarations to actions" to achieve political change in Venezuela.
"Certainly, several nations have been quite active in condemning the crimes against humanity and the corruption networks operating in Venezuela. However, today we believe much more is needed," she asserted.
The opposition leader stressed that the immediate goal should be dismantling what she termed a "criminal regime" in Venezuela.
Regional Warning: Cuba and Nicaragua Next
In this context, she issued a regional warning: "Once we dismantle the criminal regime in Venezuela, Cuba will be next. Then Nicaragua. For the first time in history, the Americas will be free from communism and dictatorship."
Machado once again criticized Cuba's influence within the Venezuelan state structures, advocating for the urgent need to "dismantle the presence of Cuba, Russia, and Iran" in Venezuela's institutions, emphasizing not just the economic but also the military aspects.
She urged for the isolation of both the Venezuelan government elites and the "extra-hemispheric penetration in Venezuela," referring to Caracas's cooperation with countries like Iran and Russia, in addition to Cuba.
Concrete Measures to Weaken the Regime
During her address, Machado advocated for specific measures to weaken Venezuela's officialdom.
"We need to block the flow of money" that the government allegedly uses "for repression, corruption, and the increase of criminal activities." She also called for "supporting objective measures against the groups currently controlling repression in Venezuela."
The opposition leader claimed that 20,000 people have been politically detained during the regimes of Nicolás Maduro and Hugo Chávez, with over 1,100 executions and 2,000 instances of torture, asserting that the repressive structure remains active.
Direct Accusations Against Power Elites
María Corina also targeted current interim president Delcy Rodríguez, accusing her of being "an essential part of the cartel."
"She was the architect and oversees the torture system and the repressive structure, and she is the main connection with Russia, Iran, Cuba, and others," she stated. "Everyone knows it."
She suggested that to progress towards political transition, it is necessary to free the Venezuelan armed forces from this group, which, despite being small, is heavily armed and trained. "We need to neutralize and isolate them," she insisted.
Machado reiterated, "For years, we've reported and demonstrated to the world the extent of the crimes committed in Venezuela," contrasting this with what she described as a "decisive action by the government under President Trump's leadership."
Support for Her Gesture Toward Trump
The opposition leader defended her decision to present the Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump, arguing that the United States is "the only country that has risked the lives of some of its citizens for Venezuela's freedom."
"We are very grateful because what happened on January 3rd definitely paved the way for a transition to democracy," she proclaimed.
Amidst the Munich Security Conference, Machado noted that the current moment represents a transitional phase. "We all know this is not sustainable. We all know this is a phase where restoration," she said.
With her statement that "Cuba will be the next. Nicaragua after," the opposition leader placed the Venezuelan crisis within a broader regional context, suggesting that the fall of Chavismo would mark the beginning of political transformation in the other two dictatorships allied with Caracas.
Understanding the Impact of Venezuela's Political Crisis
What is María Corina Machado's vision for the Americas?
María Corina Machado envisions the Americas being free from communism and dictatorship, starting with the dismantling of Venezuela's regime, followed by changes in Cuba and Nicaragua.
Why does Machado criticize Cuba's influence in Venezuela?
Machado criticizes Cuba's influence in Venezuela due to its deep penetration in the state structures, impacting economic and military sectors, which she believes needs to be dismantled.
What actions does Machado propose to weaken Venezuela's government?
Machado suggests blocking the government's financial flows used for repression and supporting measures against groups controlling the repression in Venezuela.