Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado expressed her gratitude towards US President Donald Trump for his contributions to peace initiatives worldwide. In an interview with the BBC, Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, emphasized the appreciation of the Venezuelan people for Trump’s efforts, stating, “how grateful the Venezuelan people are for what he’s doing, not only in the Americas, but around the world for peace, for freedom, for democracy.”
Machado’s fight against the Maduro regime
A fierce critic of President Nicolás Maduro Moros, who has been in power for over a decade, Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless campaign against his administration. The award recognizes her courage and dedication, as she has faced numerous threats to her safety while remaining in Venezuela, inspiring millions with her resolve. Nobel Committee chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes highlighted her commitment to achieving a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, despite the significant risks she has encountered.
Machado’s communication with Trump followed the announcement of her Nobel recognition, which she referred to as “like an injection” for her political movement. She emphasized that the award brings energy and hope, reinforcing the notion that the democratic struggle in Venezuela is shared globally. Even as she faced political barriers, including being barred from participating in last year’s presidential elections, Machado successfully united opposition forces and garnered substantial support for her party’s candidate, Edmundo González.
International support and the fight against crime
During her interview, Machado underscored the necessity of international intervention to dismantle the criminal structures underpinning the Maduro regime. She noted, “The regime in Venezuela is a criminal structure… We need the international community to cut those flows that are not only used for corruption, but also for repression, violence and terror.” Machado believes that by addressing issues such as drug trafficking and arms smuggling, the regime’s stronghold can be weakened.
Recent actions by US forces against alleged drug trafficking operations off the coast of Venezuela have raised concerns and garnered criticism from several nations, including Venezuela and Colombia. Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed that some of the boats involved were Colombian, a statement that the White House dismissed as “baseless.” As tensions rise, Machado remains focused on mobilizing support for her cause, expressing hope for a change in her country.