From an undisclosed location in the United States, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado participated this Saturday – virtually – in the Munich Security Conference, in which she renewed her call to accelerate the democratic transition in Venezuela.Likewise, he announced that, once his country is free, “Cuba and Nicaragua will follow the same path.”
The Nobel Peace Prize winner stressed that, after almost three decades of repression and a mass exodus, citizen will continues to be the axis of change.He emphasized the urgency of rebuilding institutions in the face of the forced exile of opposition leaders and millions of people.
“There have been 27 years of brutal devastation: not only did we lose institutions and resources, our families were also destroyed. A third of the population has been forced to flee. Now we are experiencing the largest migration crisis in the world,” he declared.And he added: “This was caused by a criminal regime that destroyed the country and appropriated its territory.”
He also highlighted the fundamental role of international pressure: “For years he denounced and demonstrated to the world the level of crimes committed in Venezuela.”
In that sense, he placed special emphasis on the support of the United States during the process: “It is the only country that has risked the lives of some of its citizens for the freedom of Venezuela. We are grateful because what happened on January 3 opened the way to the democratic transition.”However, he insisted that “actions, not just words” are required and called on “other democratic countries” to achieve the “liberation and reconstruction of a nation with enormous potential.”
Regarding his return to Venezuela, Machado responded: “I will return as soon as I fulfill the objectives and actions that I have established. My current work involves working with international actors directly, something that I was not able to do before due to the prohibition on leaving the country for more than twelve years.”He clarified that thousands of political leaders and almost nine million exiles “long to return,” but they would only do so “when there is certainty of a democratic process, with guarantees of freedom and opportunities.”
Asked about her ability to influence from abroad, she explained: “I have heard for years that they leave us aside, but they always omit the main thing: the people. The Venezuelan people decided to be free and risk everything for a democratic country. We are an organized network of citizens, with a million volunteers who now form a platform ready to act civically in the democratic transition.”
When analyzing the presence of US officials in Caracas and the dialogue with the authorities, Machado stated: “Five weeks ago it seemed impossible for Maduro to face international justice. Today, the remains of the regime follow orders from the United States in a dismantling phase. The institutional restoration is just beginning and will only be sustainable if there is popular legitimacy and constitutional compliance.”
Machado rejected that oil recovery should precede the restitution of rights and stressed: “We must simultaneously address the political, economic, humanitarian and security crisis. One cannot speak of transition if repression persists.”He valued the gradual release of political prisoners: “Four hundred and eighty have been released and more than 800 still remain in prison. When they leave, the first thing they ask is how to contribute to the liberation of Venezuela. That energy cannot be stopped.”
When referring to the electoral process and the political future, he defended the legitimacy of Edmundo González: “What happened on July 28, 2024 was the most important milestone in Venezuelan democratic history. We won not only at the polls, but with the will of the armed forces that protected the count. González is the legitimate elected president. That is what gives legitimacy to the transitional government and the next general elections.”
Regarding expectations regarding the European Union and China, he stated: “We have to move from joint statements to effective actions. It is necessary to block criminal flows used for repression and illicit enrichment, and adopt restrictive measures against the groups that control the repressive apparatus, in addition to recovering stolen assets. We seek total transparency in international relations, especially with China, and the expulsion of foreign regimes that have infiltrated our institutions.”
Machado made a direct call to the diaspora and Venezuelan youth: “For the economy to wake up we will need our talent and our youth to return. Millions long to return, but they will only do so if there is certainty of democracy and freedom.”He highlighted the regional potential of the transition process: “When we dismantle the criminal regime in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua will follow the same path. For the first time, the Americas will be able to free themselves from communism and dictatorship.”
Regarding transitional justice, he stated: “It is up to us to strengthen the judicial system, to let the truth be known and to compensate the victims. We do not seek revenge; we aspire to integrate even those who supported the regime. Reconciliation must be based on justice and truth.”
Machado reaffirmed the central objective: Venezuela, by consolidating its institutions and welcoming back its citizens, can become an inspiration for the region and demonstrate to new generations the importance of freedom and the defense of democracy.
