Machado Releases “Declaration of Freedom” for Venezuela
This week, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado, a 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, unveiled a “Declaration of Freedom.” This document lays out the foundational principles for a future constitution in a post-socialist Venezuela.
Machado, having been violently ousted from her position, remains in hiding due to threats of arrest for alleged “treason” by the socialist government. These tensions follow the disputed presidential election claimed to be won by Nicolas Maduro on July 28, 2024.
On Tuesday, Machado disseminated her four-page manifesto through newspapers in both Venezuela and abroad. She also shared a video reading the manifesto in Spanish and English.
The manifesto emphasizes essential democratic rights for the future of Venezuela, such as freedom of speech, voting rights, and the right to education and free markets. It insists on welcoming back Venezuelans who have fled the country, ensuring they can live freely in their homeland.
Moreover, the document calls for Venezuela to become a robust advocate for democracy in the Americas and globally.
In her manifesto, Machado asserted that Venezuela stands at the threshold of a “new era,” suggesting that the Maduro regime’s oppressive reign is nearing its end. The text draws inspiration from democratic principles, including the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
“Freedom is not a privilege granted by governments but a fundamental right intrinsic to humanity,” the manifesto states.
It continues, “Every Venezuelan is born with unalienable rights, bestowed not by man but by our Creator. No regime or tyranny can strip us of these sacred rights: to live with dignity, speak freely, create, dream, and thrive.”
In addition to advocating for basic democratic rights, the manifesto demands accountability for the Maduro regime’s human rights violations over the decades.
According to the text, “More than 18,000 political prisoners have suffered since Maduro took power. Each one of them is a testament to the regime’s brutality. These are real lives—our friends, families, and allies.”
Machado’s manifesto is significant as it represents Venezuela’s first genuine conservative, non-socialist framework. For years, the country has been under socialist governance, with the mainstream opposition leaning towards socialism or centrism. Notably, Machado leads Vente Venezuela, the sole prominent center-right party in the nation, while her party members face ongoing persecution and arbitrary detentions by the Maduro government.
Some existing opposition parties, such as Democratic Action and People’s Will, are active in the Socialist International, which places them in stark contrast to Machado’s vision. There have been tensions among different factions, and Machado has often found herself sidelined, focusing instead on grassroots initiatives.
Despite these challenges, Machado remains optimistic. She recently told Fox News that the manifesto reflects her belief that the nation is on the cusp of freedom, potentially signaling the end of Maduro’s rule.
“These are values that the Venezuelan people share. We have endured deep wounds to our souls and values, but we are uniting and standing proudly once again,” she expressed. In October, Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to advancing democratic rights in Venezuela.
However, her path remains fraught with challenges. The Maduro government has prohibited her from leaving Venezuela, complicating her planned travel to accept the Nobel Prize in Oslo. Recently, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced that he intends to accompany Machado on her journey to Norway.
