In a pointed critique, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has described the newly appointed interim president Delcy Rodríguez as “perhaps even more ruthless” than her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro. This declaration comes in the wake of Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces, which has led to a significant political shift in Venezuela.
Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, was sworn in on Monday following Maduro’s detention. Machado, currently in hiding after Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election, expressed her deep mistrust of Rodríguez during an interview with Tony Dokoupil on CBS Evening News. “Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played,” Machado stated, emphasizing Rodríguez’s involvement in Maduro’s oppressive regime.
In her remarks, Machado characterized Rodríguez as “one of the main architects” of the brutal regime that has ruled Venezuela for years. She went further, labeling Rodríguez as the leader of torture sites in the country. The former hostage negotiator Roger Carstens corroborated Machado’s claims, detailing how the Maduro regime had held and tortured Americans detained for minor offenses in Venezuela.
Rodríguez has faced sanctions during Donald Trump’s presidency, which targeted her role in bolstering Maduro’s authoritarian grip on power. Although she has not been indicted on any criminal charges in the United States, Machado believes that U.S. authorities have been instructed to take actions aimed at dismantling the criminal structures supporting the Maduro regime.
Despite the current turmoil, Machado remains optimistic about the Venezuelan people’s resolve. She stated, “Nobody trusts her,” suggesting that Rodríguez’s new position may be fraught with challenges due to her controversial past. Machado further alleged that Rodríguez has acted as a key communicator with countries like Russia and Iran, which have engaged in activities deemed criminal within Venezuela.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Machado’s forthcoming plans to return to Venezuela are under scrutiny. She has indicated a desire to return “as soon as possible,” especially following the crucial developments surrounding Maduro’s capture.
The full interview with María Corina Machado will be available on tonight’s CBS Evening News at 18:30 ET. As Venezuelans navigate this turbulent chapter, Machado’s insights into the regime’s dynamics may offer a glimpse into the future of the nation’s political climate.
