Venezuelan Opposition Leader’s Vision for Change

María Colina Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, believes that a successful shift to democracy in Venezuela could quickly revitalize the nation’s economy and bring an end to years of turmoil. She argues that such a transformation would not only change Venezuela but also significantly impact the political landscape of the region.

In a conversation, Machado compared this potential change to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting it would underscore President Trump’s foreign policy legacy. She stated, “The legacy to the world will be enormous. Venezuela and the region will prosper… In historical comparison, this will mean as much for the Americas as the fall of the Berlin Wall did for Europe.”

She added, “For the first time in history, the Americas will be free of communism, dictatorship, and narco-terrorism.”

Plans for Returning to Venezuela

Despite the dangers associated with the current regime, Machado expressed her intention to return to Venezuela soon, explaining, “I need to be there. I want to get back as soon as possible.”

Her return comes at a crucial moment, as interim President Delcy Rodríguez spearheads a U.S.-supported transition following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez, a close associate of Maduro, was inaugurated on January 5 after a U.S. military operation expelled Maduro and his wife from their residence in Caracas.

However, Machado conveyed her skepticism regarding Rodríguez’s leadership, cautioning that without a decisive break from Maduro’s influence, the transition could inevitably falter. She remarked, “It really doesn’t change anything if Delcy Rodríguez stays. There will be no rule of law, no trust, no stability. Venezuelans will not return home as criminals.”