Venezuela’s Iron Lady Urges Trump to Act for Democracy Restoration
María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader in Venezuela, remains in hiding as she advocates for international intervention against the regime of Nicolás Maduro. In a series of interviews, she highlights the need for President-elect Donald Trump’s support to restore democracy following a disputed election. Despite her isolation, she emphasizes the precarious state of the Maduro regime and the suffering of Venezuelans, insisting on a coordinated global response to the ongoing crisis.
In a candid series of virtual interviews, María Corina Machado, the prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has expressed her longing for democratic restoration in her country as she lies in hiding from the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Once a fierce political force rallying millions to the polls, Ms. Machado now finds herself isolated, deprived of personal visits due to government threats against those who support her. Despite her challenges, she remains resolute, urging international leaders, particularly President-elect Donald Trump, to take decisive action against Maduro, arguing that such a stance would symbolize a significant foreign policy triumph for the United States. Since the disputed presidential election in July, where her chosen candidate allegedly secured a landslide victory, Ms. Machado has remained in contact with foreign emissaries, emphasizing that Maduro’s regime is growing increasingly precarious. She believes that with targeted sanctions and pressure from the USA, there lies an opportunity to negotiate Maduro’s departure, which she deems necessary for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. Fearing retaliation, she reflects on the many Venezuelans who support her and have faced incarceration or worse following the election. She claims that the international community must expedite their efforts to hold the Maduro government accountable, painting a grim picture of the human rights violations occurring in her homeland. Despite her isolation, Ms. Machado displays a fervent commitment to her cause, stating she is prepared to endure her current situation until freedom is achieved for her fellow citizens.
Ms. Machado, nicknamed Venezuela’s “Iron Lady” for her resilience and conservative political stance, has spent years advocating for democratic governance and human rights in her country. Following an overwhelming win against Maduro’s administration in a primary election, she has positioned herself as a figurehead in the opposition movement. Her experiences reflect a broader struggle within Venezuela, where the government continuously impedes opposition efforts and suppresses dissent, often leading to violent reprisals against activists and politicians. With Maduro’s regime facing unprecedented challenges, Ms. Machado’s calls for international intervention gain further urgency, as Venezuelans continue to suffer under oppressive conditions.
María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s esteemed opposition leader, implores the international community, especially President Trump, to act decisively against Nicolás Maduro’s regime to restore democracy in her homeland. She highlights the need for a foreign policy shift to confront the undeniable human rights abuses and instability under Maduro, indicating a critical moment in Venezuelan politics. Despite her challenges in hiding, Ms. Machado’s determination to secure a brighter future for her country endures, paving the way for potential political evolution and hope among her compatriots.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
