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In the midst of one of the greatest political and military tensions in recent years in Venezuela, opposition leader María Corina Machado stated that the imminent departure of Nicolás Maduro will not only pave the way for freedom in her country but will also signal the beginning of the end of the Cuban regime.
From clandestinity, Machado has multiplied her messages on social media and in international interviews, intensifying her warnings against the Chavista structure.
On their X account, they denounced that Maduro's government constitutes "a criminal structure" responsible for the most serious humanitarian crisis in the region.
He recalled that the Chavista dictatorship forced a third of the population to flee, destabilized neighboring countries, and posed a direct threat to the security of the United States.
"Once we liberate Venezuela, millions will return home and our nation will become the main ally of the United States for security, trade, energy, and investment in the region. The time has come. Freedom is approaching," the leader wrote.
"Trump is not playing."
On Sunday, in an interview with FOX News, Machado stated that Maduro "is very concerned, and he should be," emphasizing that the Venezuelan people "are united and determined to move forward."
According to their words, only a small group of high-ranking military officials still supports the regime, but sooner or later "they will have to make a decision because Trump's decision is no game."
The warning comes after the deployment of U.S. warships in the Caribbean, part of the operation ordered by President Donald Trump against drug trafficking in Latin America.
The White House has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading the Cartel of the Suns, which is regarded by Washington as a terrorist organization.
Machado supported Washington's offensive and stated that the Trump administration has made the Venezuelan case a priority of national security.
"This is quite serious. This is a criminal organization that is using Venezuela to funnel tons of drugs into the United States," he stated.
An increasingly isolated regime
Tensions rose following the announcement that the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale would join the maneuvers off the coast of Venezuela, with over 4,500 personnel.
This deployment included Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, nuclear submarines, and P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft.
The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that Trump "is ready to curb drug trafficking and bring those responsible to justice," unequivocally labeling the chavista regime as "a drug cartel."
International pressure is reinforced with judicial and economic measures.
In early August, the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Justice announced a historic increase in the reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro, rising from 25 to 50 million dollars.
Attorney General Pam Bondi accused the Venezuelan leader of being the core of a narco-terrorism conspiracy linked to the FARC, the Tren de Aragua, and the Sinaloa cartel.
The connection with Cuba
Machado has repeatedly stated that Maduro's fall will have a direct impact on Havana.
Already in July of last year, on the eve of the presidential elections that Chavismo claimed, the leader expressed that Cuba will follow the same path to freedom as Venezuela.
"Very soon I know that Cuba will be like us, on the eve of Freedom," he stated.
Today, it is asserted that the political, economic, and intelligence framework that connects Caracas with Havana will collapse once a change of power occurs in Venezuela, decisively weakening the Cuban regime.
Mobilization and resistance
The opposition leader has maintained an active role in the streets.
In January, she participated in a protest event that mobilized thousands of Venezuelans in various cities, despite being under persecution from the regime. "This is over. Venezuela will be free," she exclaimed to the crowd that accompanied her in Caracas.
In recent days, while the United States strengthened its naval presence and announced new sanctions, Maduro released 13 political prisoners in an effort to ease international pressure.
However, the opposition considers the gesture insufficient and insists on the demand for a genuine transition to democracy.
"Freedom is approaching"
For Machado, the combination of international pressure, the regime's isolation, loss of military support, and civic mobilization will inevitably lead to Maduro's downfall. He asserts that this will bring an end to more than six decades of dictatorship in Cuba.
"We are going to transform Venezuela from a den of criminals into a safe place for all of the Americas, with energy and resource opportunities that will be incredible for all of America," he promised on FOX News.
The leader concludes that the immediate future of Venezuela will be crucial not only for its people but also for the political balance of the continent: "The time has come. Freedom is approaching."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Situation in Venezuela and Its Impact on Cuba
Why does María Corina Machado claim that Maduro's downfall could signify the end of the Cuban regime?
María Corina Machado argues that the political, economic, and intelligence structure that connects Caracas with Havana will collapse with a change of power in Venezuela. This would decisively weaken the Cuban regime, which has been closely linked to chavismo since the time of Hugo Chávez.
What actions is the United States taking against Nicolás Maduro's regime?
The United States has deployed warships in the Caribbean and has increased economic and legal pressure against the Maduro regime. Additionally, the White House has raised the reward to 50 million dollars for information leading to his capture, accusing him of leading the Cartel of the Suns. Trump has prioritized the situation in Venezuela as a national security issue.
How is the situation in Venezuela related to U.S. policy toward Cuba?
The fall of the Maduro regime could directly weaken that of Cuba, due to the political and economic interdependence between the two countries. The Trump administration has linked U.S. national security with the allied regimes in Havana, viewing chavismo as a direct threat due to its involvement in drug trafficking.
What role does María Corina Machado play in the Venezuelan opposition currently?
María Corina Machado is seen as a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, leading the fight for democracy and political change in the country. She is recognized for her strong stance against Maduro's regime and her influence within the opposition movement, especially following the support from elected president, Edmundo González Urrutia.
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