World leaders react to Maduro’s detention
As Americans wake up to the news of a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, speculation arises about potential betrayal within his close circle. His inner circle includes Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, known for his significant influence, and Vladimir Padrino, a long-standing military leader with substantial power. Both quickly condemned the U.S. action, though their responses came off as lacking depth.
Despite Cabello’s status as a key figure within the Chávez movement and Padrino’s alignment with the military, the armed forces seem to be offering little resistance to the operation. In a video released earlier, Cabello echoed sentiments from Hugo Chávez, denouncing the foreign intervention as a tragedy driven by greed for Venezuela’s resources.
For years, a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s head loomed, especially with the international community questioning the legitimacy of the 2024 election. Now, Maduro and Flores are reportedly aboard a U.S. cruiser, heading towards New York to face serious charges, including drug trafficking.
Some Venezuelan representatives, like Jorge Jaraissati from the Economic Inclusion Group, have praised the operation, suggesting it could usher in a new era of peace. Jaraissati claims Maduro’s rule likened to a cancer, and that his refusal to step down in 2024 paved the way for these developments. However, experts are raising eyebrows regarding how seamlessly the operation unfolded, hinting at possible collusion within the Venezuelan regime.
“The ability for the U.S. to rapidly gain control over Maduro indicates strong intelligence and likely cooperation from Venezuelan sources,” said Jaraissati, framing the U.S. efforts as a fight against oppressive leadership rather than the people of Venezuela. Meanwhile, Delcy Rodriguez, the current vice president and presumed successor, has claimed she wishes to receive “proof of life” from Maduro, stirring rumors about her own whereabouts. Reports suggest she may be in Russia, but the Russian government has denied that.
Removing Maduro without dismantling the broader power structure of Chavismo poses its own challenges. Figures like Cabello and Padrino, who might not want a competitive democratic process, risk significant danger to themselves and their assets should they face a legitimate election.
What happens next?
Analysts are now scrutinizing who might have facilitated the operation to capture Maduro. Questions arise of Cabello’s and Padrino’s potential involvement, alongside reports of CIA intelligence. Venezuelans, meanwhile, continue to stock up on food and fuel amidst an uncertain future.
With Rodriguez positioned as the de jure leader, a clash with recent Nobel laureate María Corina Machado seems inevitable. Many believe Machado would gain a landslide victory in a fair election, though her current location remains a mystery since she left Norway after receiving the award.
As the aftermath unfolds, it’s clear that instability within the Chávez movement will likely persist, raising questions about potential negotiations for power shares with foreign allies and the possibility of ongoing resistance from Maduro’s supporters.
