The opposition leader called for continued vigilance until the democratic transition is complete.
EFE/14ymedio, Madrid, 3 January 2025 — Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado called on citizens this Saturday to remain “vigilant, active, and organized” until the democratic transition is achieved, following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and the collapse of the political leadership exercised by Chavismo. In a statement released through her official channels, Machado affirmed that “what had to happen is happening” and maintained that the country is entering a decisive stage after years of confrontation and resistance.
In her message, the leader stated that Maduro “from today onward faces international justice for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and against citizens of many other nations,” and asserted that, given his refusal to accept a negotiated solution, the United States government decided to act. “The time has come for popular sovereignty and national sovereignty to prevail in our country,” she declared.
Machado affirmed the beginning of a process aimed at restoring institutional order, freeing political prisoners, and laying the foundations for national reconstruction. “We have fought for years, we have given everything, and it has been worth it,” she said, while promising to work so that millions of Venezuelans who emigrated can return to the country.
The opposition leader maintained that Edmundo González Urrutia, whom the Unified Platform recognizes as the legitimate president following the elections of July 28, “must immediately assume his constitutional mandate.” She added that González Urrutia must be recognized as commander-in-chief of the National Armed Forces by all officers and soldiers, and affirmed that the citizenry is prepared to uphold the popular mandate. “Today we are prepared to take power,” she stated.
A process begins aimed at restoring institutional order and laying the foundations for reconstruction.
In the statement, Machado made specific appeals to different sectors. She asked Venezuelans within the country to remain vigilant and organized to carry out instructions that will be communicated “very soon” through official opposition channels. She asked Venezuelans abroad to remain mobilized, to activate governments and citizens around the world, and to engage them in the great operation of building a new Venezuela.
“This is the time for citizens. A transition that needs us all,” stated Machado, who closed her message with a call for unity, active calm, and sustained mobilization in what she described as decisive hours for the future of the country.
On Saturday morning, US President Donald Trump held a press conference in which he addressed the situation in Venezuela. Trump stated that the United States would temporarily assume control of Venezuela to prevent any official linked to Maduro from attempting to replace him or perpetuate structures of the previous regime. He explained that this measure would ensure control of the process and prevent a power vacuum. He also indicated that Washington would recoup, through oil production, the resources that—according to him—the United States lost in infrastructure during the years of the dictatorship.
Amidst anticipation and tension, Venezuela thus enters a transitional phase marked by uncertainty, citizen mobilization, and the redesign of political power. “Venezuela will be free,” Machado concluded.
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