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Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado believes a democratic transition in her country would dramatically transform the nation’s economy and fundamentally alter the region’s political landscape after years of instability.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Machado compared such a transition to the fall of the Berlin Wall and suggested it could define President Donald Trump’s foreign policy legacy.
“The legacy to the world is going to be huge,” Machado explained. “You’re going to have a prosperous Venezuela and the region.… If you make a comparison in history, this would mean for the Americas as much as the fall of the Berlin Wall had for Europe. It’s equivalent.”
She emphasized the historic potential of such a change, adding: “For the first time in history, you will have the Americas free of communism, dictatorship and narcoterrorism for the first time.”
Machado has expressed her intention to return to Venezuela soon despite the significant personal risks she faces under the current political climate. “I need to be there. I want to go back as soon as possible,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to helping drive a democratic transition in her homeland.
Her planned return comes at a critical juncture for Venezuela. The country is currently under the leadership of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who is overseeing a U.S.-backed transition following the dramatic removal of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Rodríguez, previously a close Maduro ally, assumed office on January 5 after U.S. forces removed the former leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas during a military operation. The ousted couple was subsequently flown to New York, where they were arraigned in federal court on multiple charges to which they pleaded not guilty.
Since taking office, Rodríguez has established working relationships with the White House and has reportedly spoken directly with President Trump. The State Department has confirmed that a “limited number” of American personnel are currently working on the ground in Venezuela to support the transition process.
However, Machado has expressed significant concerns about Rodríguez’s leadership, suggesting that her connections to the previous regime may undermine genuine reform. “If Delcy Rodríguez stays, nothing truly changes,” Machado warned in her interview. “There will be no rule of law, no trust, no stability. Venezuelans will not come home under a criminal.”
This transition comes after years of economic collapse in Venezuela, once one of Latin America’s wealthiest nations. Under Maduro’s leadership, the country experienced hyperinflation, widespread food and medicine shortages, and one of the largest refugee crises in the hemisphere, with over 7 million Venezuelans fleeing the country.
The outcome of Venezuela’s political transition carries significant implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. A successful democratic restoration could potentially reverse the migration crisis and reestablish Venezuela as an important economic partner in the region, particularly given its vast oil reserves – the largest proven reserves in the world.
International observers note that a stable, democratic Venezuela could also reduce Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America, as both countries have provided financial and diplomatic support to the Maduro regime over the years.
While the Biden administration had made some overtures to the Maduro government in recent years, particularly regarding oil sanctions, the Trump administration has taken a more decisive approach with the military operation that removed Maduro from power.
Political analysts suggest that a successful Venezuelan transition could indeed become a defining foreign policy achievement for the Trump presidency, though significant challenges remain in establishing genuine democratic governance and rebuilding the country’s devastated economy.
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7 Comments
Machado’s comparison to the fall of the Berlin Wall is a powerful one. A free and prosperous Venezuela could be transformative, but the risks she faces in returning are considerable.
Her commitment to the cause is admirable, though the personal danger is concerning. I hope she is able to safely contribute to a democratic transition in Venezuela.
A Venezuela free of authoritarianism and narcoterrorism would be hugely significant for the region. However, the path forward likely remains challenging and uncertain.
Machado’s willingness to return despite the risks underscores the importance she places on this transition. It will be crucial to monitor developments closely.
The potential for a ‘Berlin Wall’ moment in the Americas is intriguing, though the details and timeline remain unclear. Venezuela’s democratic future will have broad ramifications across the region.
This would indeed be a momentous change for the region, with profound political and economic implications. Venezuela’s transition to democracy could be a ‘Berlin Wall’ moment that reshapes the Americas’ future.
While Machado’s optimism is admirable, the realities of enacting democratic change in Venezuela should not be underestimated. The path ahead will undoubtedly be fraught with difficulties.