In a clandestine interview with the digital outlet Infobae, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado issued a stark warning to the regime of Nicolás Maduro, stating it is facing "its final hours." She urged the Armed Forces to "assist in the transition" towards democracy.
Her remarks come amidst the largest U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean in decades, initiated by President Donald Trump. This includes a complete airspace lockdown over Venezuela and a naval blockade, which Washington claims is part of its anti-narcotics strategy.
Recently honored with the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, Machado declared that Venezuela is "ready to reclaim its freedom" and predicted that the downfall of the chavista regime will send "waves of liberty and stability" across the region, notably affecting allies Cuba and Nicaragua.
"Their time is up. Understand this, accept it, and for your own good, facilitate the advancement of this transitional process," Machado urged in a direct message to Maduro.
The leader of the 'Vente Venezuela' movement also condemned the regime's intensified repression and arbitrary detentions in November, including the disappearances of minors. "Maduro's final hours are bloody and dark, just as his rise to power was," she remarked, warning that the chavista regime acts out of fear of internal defections.
Machado highlighted that the military and police forces are the most watched and hunted sectors within the regime, stating, "the regime is terrified of them." She called upon these bodies to align with "truth, justice, and the Constitution," asserting that "the transition process is inevitable."
The opposition figure compared Venezuela's current situation to the collapse of other authoritarian regimes, such as Bashar al-Assad's in Syria, and noted that Maduro's traditional allies—Cuba, Russia, Iran, and Belarus—are showing signs of distancing themselves.
"It's clear that the regime's financial, military, and political supports have significantly weakened," she noted, reminding that Venezuela has become "the criminal hub of the Americas."
Machado reiterated that her proposal, outlined in the recent 'Manifesto of Liberty,' aims to establish a liberal and democratic republic grounded in human dignity, justice, and forgiveness. "Freedom is a prerequisite for peace. There can be no peace without freedom; that would be slavery," she asserted.
Regarding her upcoming trip to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, she commented, "Only God knows how that day will unfold. Venezuelans have learned that ten days is a long time. We live one day at a time."
She also emphasized the moral and cultural dimensions of Venezuela's reconstruction, acknowledging that the chavista regime "tried to tear apart the family as a political strategy," yet this adversity fostered a society "more united, generous, and resilient."
"No other generation in Venezuela's history values family and freedom as much as this one. The people have chosen to be free, and there's no turning back," she emphasized.
Machado concluded the interview with a message to Venezuelans both at home and abroad: "This is a historic moment. Venezuela's freedom will also bring freedom to the Cuban and Nicaraguan people."
Key Insights on Venezuela's Political Transition
What does María Corina Machado believe about Venezuela's future?
María Corina Machado believes Venezuela is ready to reclaim its freedom and that the fall of Maduro's regime will bring waves of liberty and stability to the region.
Why is the U.S. increasing its military presence in the Caribbean?
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to combat narcotics trafficking, which includes airspace lockdowns and a naval blockade around Venezuela.
How does Machado view the role of the Armed Forces in Venezuela's transition?
Machado sees the Armed Forces as crucial to assisting in Venezuela's transition towards democracy, urging them to align with truth, justice, and the Constitution.