María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has stated that Venezuela is in a state of chaos under President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. In a recent interview, she emphasized the urgency of removing Maduro, labeling him an illegitimate ruler who has manipulated the electoral process to secure a contested third term. Machado made these remarks during an anti-government protest in Caracas on January 9, 2025.
Nobel Laureate Machado’s Call for Change
Speaking while still within Venezuela, Machado criticized the narrative suggesting that the removal of Maduro would lead to chaos. “Venezuela is in profound, total chaos right now,” she asserted. She underscored that the Venezuelan populace had already demanded regime change, citing the controversial elections of July 28, 2024.
Election Controversies and Opposition Leadership
Machado, who was barred from running in the election, backed Edmundo González as the opposition candidate. She maintains that the results showed overwhelming support for the opposition, claiming a victory supported by over 85% of original tally sheets. Despite Maduro’s claims of election legitimacy, numerous countries, including the United States, have accused him of rigging the electoral process.
- Controversial elections held on July 28, 2024
- Machado banned from running; endorsed Edmundo González
- Claims of over 85% support for opposition revealed
Corruption and Economic Collapse in Venezuela
The governance under Maduro has led to severe corruption and economic decline, prompting more than one-fifth of Venezuelans to flee the country. Machado indicated that Maduro’s government has created an environment hostile to free speech while further destabilizing regional security. The U.S. State Department has offered up to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of drug trafficking.
“Maduro is effectively operating as a cartel leader,” Machado stated. “Venezuela has become a safe haven for various enemies of the U.S., including Iran and Russia.” She asserted that the current regime poses a significant threat to the region, stressing the need for immediate action.
International Relations and the Road Ahead
When asked about the possibility of U.S. military intervention to depose Maduro, Machado refrained from speculation but acknowledged President Trump as a critical ally in the fight for Venezuelan freedom. “To achieve peace, we must have freedom. To have freedom, we need strength,” she remarked.
Machado dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump and the people of Venezuela, reflecting her belief in global support for their struggle. She hopes that the fall of Maduro could inspire the liberation of other repressive regimes in Latin America, such as those in Cuba and Nicaragua.
