Related videos:
The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado stated that the restoration of democracy in her country would have historical significance for the entire American continent, comparable to the fall of the Berlin Wall in Europe, and reiterated her intention to return to Venezuela soon to take part in the reconstruction of the country.
“I need to be there. I want to return as soon as possible,” said Machado in an exclusive interview with The New York Post. “The legacy for the world will be enormous. You will have a prosperous Venezuela and a prosperous region. If you make a comparison with history, this would mean for the Americas what the fall of the Berlin Wall meant for Europe.”
The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 stated that the arrest of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, during an operation ordered by Donald Trump, marked "the threshold of freedom." "What President Trump did was historic. He understood that this was not just about Venezuela, but about dismantling a criminal structure that threatens the entire Western hemisphere," she declared.
Machado believes that the reconstruction process could be achieved in three years if there is trust in the ability of Venezuelans to govern themselves. "For the first time in history, we will have the Americas free from communism, dictatorship, and narco-terrorism," he stated.
The opposition leader also warned that the progress of the transition depends on a complete change in power. “If Delcy Rodríguez stays, nothing will truly change. There will be no rule of law, no trust, no stability. Venezuelans will not return under a criminal,” she stated, referring to the interim president of Chavismo.
The summary published by journalist Caitlin Doornbos on X emphasized this point, highlighting that, according to Machado, Venezuela will not achieve "lasting progress" or its own "moment of the Berlin Wall" as long as figures from the old regime remain.
Machado handed his Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump on January 15 during a meeting at the White House, as a symbol of gratitude "for his unique commitment to our freedom." In that meeting, he explained, he conveyed a clear message: "Trust in the Venezuelan people. We share the same values: family, faith, work. We want to build, not flee."
The opposition member recalled the years of persecution and underground life she experienced in her own country before going into exile in December, after remaining hidden for 16 months. “Mothers beg to see their children again. Grandparents say they don't want to die before meeting their grandchildren,” she shared, describing the social crisis caused by chavismo. According to her data, 86% of the population lives in poverty and nearly nine million Venezuelans have left the country.
In statements made at the Congress of the United States, the leader insisted that her goal is to return to participate directly in the national reconstruction process and affirmed that the ongoing process has broader implications. “Venezuela will be free. And once we free Venezuela, we will continue to work and we will have a free Cuba and a free Nicaragua,” she said during an intervention broadcast by Fox News.
Meanwhile, in Washington, discussions are underway regarding the steps to consolidate stability in the country. According to a report by ABC, the U.S. government is considering establishing an emergency technocratic council in the event of a potential collapse of Rodríguez's power. Sources cited by the newspaper indicate that the White House views her as a "useful" figure but not sustainable, and that Machado's leadership is reserved for a future electoral phase.
"I must be there. This is a spiritual struggle, not just political," concluded Machado. "Venezuela will be free."
Filed under: