Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is set to hold a significant rally in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square on Saturday, as she seeks to reignite her movement for political change amid a tumultuous political landscape. Following the recent abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, Machado has found herself increasingly sidelined, especially after former President Donald Trump expressed support for Maduro's vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez. The rally is expected to attract tens of thousands of supporters rallying under the banner of hope, as Machado insists, "Venezuela will be free."
Machado's Political Position Post-Maduro
Since Maduro's capture on January 3, hopes were high among Machado's followers that she would take charge of the country, particularly after many believed her movement had won the 2024 presidential elections. However, Trump's unexpected endorsement of Rodríguez has left Machado and her allies feeling marginalized. "We're very happy with the president-elect that we have right now," Trump stated, despite Rodríguez not being elected by the populace. Machado, who left Venezuela last December to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, has been unable to return since the political upheaval, with U.S. officials reportedly concerned that her presence could ignite social unrest and complicate Trump's plans regarding Venezuela's oil reserves. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Consolidation of Power by Rodríguez
In Machado's absence, Rodríguez has taken steps to consolidate her authority, including purging key allies of Maduro from governmental roles and attempting to position herself as a capable leader who can revive Venezuela's struggling economy. In Caracas, campaign-style propaganda posters featuring Rodríguez's image and the slogan, "Onwards, Delcy, you have my trust," are prevalent, indicating her efforts to build public confidence. However, the political climate remains fraught, with uncertainty hanging over when elections might be held. Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy's brother and head of the National Assembly, has been noncommittal on the timing of new elections, emphasizing that the economy is the primary focus at this moment.
Frustration Among Machado's Supporters
Machado's supporters are growing increasingly frustrated with their exclusion from the political landscape following Maduro's downfall. Tom Shannon, a veteran U.S. diplomat with extensive experience in Venezuelan affairs, highlighted the detrimental effects of Rodríguez's hold on power. "Every day that [Rodríguez] is there, is a day that the democratic opposition is not there.. and it's devastating for the opposition," he remarked. The recent geopolitical developments have also shifted attention away from Venezuela, with Shannon noting that the U.S. military focus has moved elsewhere, providing Rodríguez with more breathing room.
Calls for Machado's Return
Omar González, an ally of Machado, voiced concerns that key elements of U.S. stabilization plans have overlooked the will of the Venezuelan people, who are largely opposed to Rodríguez's regime. He insisted that the constitutional requirement for elections within seven months of a president's absence should not be ignored. González believes that Machado's return is essential to "unlock" the political situation and has suggested that her comeback could parallel a "sort of Normandy landing," with Venezuelan exiles rallying to support her. However, the specifics of Machado's potential return remain unclear, as Rodríguez has warned that Machado would need to be "held accountable" if she chooses to come back.
Political analysts, like Walter Molina, suggest that while conditions in Venezuela have improved since the end of Maduro's regime, the situation remains dire, with over 500 political prisoners still incarcerated. "If we were 50 floors below ground before, we are 35 floors below ground now," Molina compared. There is cautious optimism, but significant challenges remain before the light at the end of the tunnel becomes visible. Though Machado has engaged with international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, she has opted not to meet with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has been critical of U.S. interventions in the region.
As Saturday's rally approaches, Machado's followers are eager to reignite a movement that has been largely overshadowed by the current political machinations. Whether her efforts will lead to a renewed push for democracy in Venezuela remains to be seen, but the stakes have never been higher.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.