María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition party, has expressed strong criticisms of Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in as the interim president following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Machado described Rodríguez as “perhaps even more ruthless” than Maduro, highlighting her role as a key architect of the oppressive regime that has plagued Venezuela.
In an interview with CBS Evening News host Tony Dokoupil, which aired on the evening of March 25, 2024, Machado stated, “Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played” in the country’s suffering. Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, is now facing the challenge of leading a nation that has been under significant political and economic strain.
Rodríguez’s ascent to the presidency comes during a period of upheaval in Venezuela, marked by a military that has reportedly pledged its support for her. At 56 years old, she is seen by some as a continuation of Maduro’s authoritarian rule. Machado, who has been in hiding since the disputed election of 2024, emerged recently to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in December, underscoring her ongoing commitment to Venezuelan democracy.
Machado’s comments extend to Rodríguez’s involvement in the regime’s notorious practices. She accused Rodríguez of leading torture sites and acting as a “main link” in communications with countries like Russia and Iran, which have supported the Maduro government. The former hostage negotiator Roger Carstens has previously detailed instances of Americans being detained and tortured in Venezuela for minor infractions, further illustrating the regime’s brutality.
Rodríguez has not faced any formal criminal charges in the United States, despite being sanctioned during the administration of former President Donald Trump for her role in bolstering Maduro’s power. Machado believes that the U.S. has provided guidance aimed at dismantling the regime’s criminal network as part of a broader strategy to transition Venezuela towards democracy. Yet, she emphasized that “nobody trusts her,” casting doubt on Rodríguez’s capability to lead effectively.
Despite the challenges ahead, Machado remains optimistic about the Venezuelan people’s resilience. She called for support in the struggle for democracy, asserting that the path to a stable future lies in the hands of the citizens. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Machado’s insights into the role of Rodríguez and the future of Venezuelan governance will remain closely monitored.
For more insights, viewers can watch the full interview with María Corina Machado on the CBS Evening News at 18:30 ET.
