In an assertive declaration, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has stated that her coalition should absolutely lead the government following the dramatic ousting of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Speaking in an interview with CBS, she emphasized her coalition's readiness to serve the Venezuelan people, indicating a mandate to do so. We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated, she proclaimed.
Machado expressed gratitude towards U.S. President Trump for his leadership and courage in orchestrating the military intervention in Caracas that led to Maduro's arrest. However, she also raised concerns about the interim leader appointed in Maduro's place, underscoring a lack of trust in his administration. No one trusts this man as he is an ally of the deposed Maduro, she stated.
Despite claiming victory in the heavily disputed 2024 elections, Machado has struggled to gain traction with Trump, who has publicly dismissed her potential as Maduro's successor, stating she lacks the requisite support within Venezuela. This has led to questions about the effectiveness and unity of the opposition under her leadership.
While Machado has been praised for her political activism, she has been in hiding for months due to the Venezuelan government's threats and has often advocated for her political ally, Edmundo González, whom she supports as the rightful leader following the opposition's claimed electoral victory. Nonetheless, González was not recognized by the Venezuelan electoral council, which is perceived to be controlled by Maduro loyalists, leading to further complications.
As the political landscape continues to shift in Venezuela, Machado remains a pivotal yet polarizing figure, advocating for a transition to democracy while facing significant hurdles in building a coalition capable of governing effectively. David Smolansky, a spokesperson for the opposition, believes that without Machado and González in power, Venezuela's future remains bleak.
