Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado shared a brief video on her social media, featuring a heartfelt show of support from Cuban women around the globe. These women, from various professions and corners of the world, expressed their solidarity with Machado’s fight for freedom in Venezuela.
“My dear Cuban friends, thank you! If there’s a people who have endured decades of pain under communism, it’s yours,” Machado began in her message. She emphasized that “your fight is our fight” and expressed admiration for their bravery, adding, “Today, women worldwide are connected in an unstoppable network for dignity, democracy, and freedom. Without borders, for our families and our right to live free. Until the end!”
The two-minute video showcases the diversity of Cuban women, featuring both those who are visibly opposed to the Havana regime and those excelling in their professional fields. Familiar faces lending their support to the Venezuelan opposition leader include actresses Susana Pérez and Beatriz Valdés, activists Rosa María Payá, Carolina Barreiro, Grecia Ordoñez, and Anamelys Ramos, singers Haydée Milanés, Bea César, and Aymée Nuviola, journalist Camila Acosta, as well as models Rachel Vallori and Gigi Maduq, among other Cuban entrepreneurs and businesswomen.
European Parliament Recognition
This message comes shortly after the European Parliament recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the "legitimate president" of Venezuela. In a non-binding resolution passed with 309 votes from the European People's Party, ultra-conservatives, and the far-right, alongside 201 votes against and 12 abstentions, the text also acknowledges María Corina Machado as the "leader of the democratic forces."
A Historic Dialogue
On September 4, Machado, who the Cuban exile community in Miami aims to nominate for the Nobel Peace Prize, engaged in a live conversation with Rosa María Payá, leader of Cuba Decide and a prominent opposition figure against the Cuban regime. This dialogue, broadcast across multiple platforms, reached a wide audience.
During their conversation, Machado highlighted the challenges faced during the electoral process, emphasizing that they managed to secure Edmundo González's candidacy despite Nicolás Maduro's repression, limited financial resources, and lack of campaign advisors. "It was truly historic," she remarked.
“We are in a very complex phase because the Maduro regime is clinging to power by any means, now pursuing Edmundo with an arrest warrant for the elected president. This is the moment to trust our robust strategy. We are united and will continue to move forward,” Machado affirmed.
Cuban Influence on Venezuelan Repression
Machado has previously spoken about Cuban interference in Venezuela, noting its influence on repression, espionage, and torture methods used by Nicolás Maduro's regime against protesters, journalists, activists, and opposition members. As the leader of Vente Venezuela and a key figure in the formation of the Unitary Platform for the 2024 presidential elections, she has asserted that Cuban regime's repressive tactics have been well-documented by international and non-governmental organizations for years.