A Cuban journalist residing in Chile captured one of the most poignant moments during the recent visit of Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, to Santiago. His message, rich with historical memory and hope for both Cuba and Venezuela, deeply touched the leader and resonated with those present.
This significant moment unfolded at the conclusion of a press conference Machado held in the Chilean capital, as part of her visit to participate in events related to the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast.
During the event, Cuban journalist Pablo Alfonso seized the opportunity to speak and recounted an incident from 2012 in the Venezuelan Parliament. It was when Hugo Chávez dismissed Machado with the phrase, “Eagle doesn’t hunt flies,” after she boldly accused him of equating expropriation with theft.
Over a decade later, Alfonso revisited that moment to emphasize how the figure that Chavismo sought to diminish has evolved into a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism across the region.
“She didn’t need a metamorphosis. This so-called fly has now given hope to my Cuba, to Venezuela, and to an entire continent aspiring for freedom,” expressed the Cuban journalist.
A Call for Solidarity and Reflection
Alfonso’s message, which directly appealed to the solidarity among peoples who have endured under authoritarian regimes, was delivered “on behalf of all Cubans who reach out to freedom” and included a request to Machado for a symbolic embrace.
He also urged a reflection on Chávez’s past remark, hoping it might one day be remembered as “the mistake of a power that failed to recognize the moral strength of the woman before it.”
This gesture moved Machado, who responded with words that extended the message to the entire region, explicitly mentioning Cuba’s situation.
She reminded everyone that a president must understand they serve all citizens, not reign above them. “A president must realize they are at the service of all their citizens, even the most disadvantaged,” she stated.
Commitment to Regional Freedom
Machado declared that a future democratic Venezuela would be committed to defending freedom throughout the continent. “Cuba will be free. And as a Venezuelan nation, we will be safeguarding, protecting, and promoting the freedom of all other nations,” she asserted.
The leader warned that losing freedom has been devastating for her country, yet she insisted that the movement for change is unstoppable. “Freedom is near, and this process is irreversible. Venezuela will be free,” she proclaimed, confident that Venezuelans will soon rebuild their nation.
The exchange between the Cuban journalist and the Venezuelan leader was shared on social media by user Cristian Crespo and quickly circulated among exiled Cubans and Venezuelans, who saw in that brief dialogue a scene capturing the shared hopes of both peoples.
Machado’s visit to Chile comes amid an intense international agenda and at a time when she reiterated in Santiago that the Venezuelan regime is “already politically defeated,” though the final removal from power is yet to be completed. In this context, the unexpected message from a Cuban in the room became one of the most talked-about moments of her time in the South American country.
Impact of Cuban Journalist's Message on Venezuela's Future
What was the central theme of the Cuban journalist's message to María Corina Machado?
The journalist's message focused on solidarity and hope for freedom in Cuba and Venezuela, emphasizing the transformation of María Corina Machado into a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism.
How did María Corina Machado respond to the journalist's message?
Machado was moved by the message and responded by emphasizing regional freedom, explicitly mentioning Cuba, and affirming that a future democratic Venezuela would support the liberty of all nations in the continent.
Why was the exchange between the journalist and Machado significant?
The exchange was significant because it highlighted the shared aspirations for freedom and resistance against authoritarian regimes in both Cuba and Venezuela, resonating with exiled communities.