María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition, has accused the newly appointed interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, of being “perhaps even more ruthless” than her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro. This statement comes as Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, took office following Maduro’s capture and extradition to the United States.
In an interview with Tony Dokoupil on CBS Evening News, Machado emphasized that Rodríguez is “one of the main architects” of Maduro’s oppressive regime. Machado’s remarks highlight widespread distrust towards Rodríguez among both Venezuelans and the international community. “Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played,” Machado stated, underscoring her belief that Rodríguez continues to embody the authoritarian practices of the previous administration.
Rodríguez, now 56, was officially sworn in as interim president on Monday, after Maduro’s capture. The Venezuelan military has expressed its support for her leadership, a situation that may complicate the opposition’s efforts to navigate the country’s political landscape. Machado, who has been in hiding since the controversial 2024 elections, emerged recently to accept a Nobel Peace Prize, further solidifying her position as a key player in Venezuelan politics.
Rodríguez’s tenure in Maduro’s regime has not gone without scrutiny. According to former hostage negotiator Roger Carstens, the Maduro government has been involved in the detention and torture of Americans for minor infractions. In 2017, Rodríguez faced sanctions during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump due to her role in perpetuating Maduro’s authoritarian rule. While she has not been criminally indicted in the U.S., these sanctions reflect the international community’s disapproval of her actions.
Machado expressed concern over Rodríguez’s ability to lead, stating, “Nobody trusts her,” which may present challenges as she assumes her new responsibilities. The opposition leader alleged that Rodríguez has maintained significant connections with countries such as Russia and Iran, which have been involved in various criminal activities in Venezuela.
Despite these turbulent developments, Machado remains optimistic about the Venezuelan people’s resilience. She believes that the U.S. has provided guidance on dismantling the “criminal structure” that has hindered Venezuela’s transition to democracy. Her faith in the population’s ability to overcome the current political crisis remains unshaken.
In conclusion, the political future of Venezuela is uncertain as Delcy Rodríguez takes the reins of power amidst accusations of ruthless governance. Machado’s critique highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in the country and the complexities surrounding leadership transitions. Further discussions on these pressing issues are expected in future broadcasts, including Machado’s full interview on tonight’s CBS Evening News at 18:30 ET.
