Machado Critiques Interim President as "Possibly More Merciless" than Maduro

The Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has expressed her concern that the interim president is potentially even harsher than Nicolás Maduro, her predecessor.

In an interview broadcast on CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil, Machado made it clear that within Venezuela and internationally, there is a widespread understanding of who the interim leader is and her involvement in the authoritarian regime.

Following Maduro's ousting, his former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, assumed the role of interim president. The Venezuelan military has shown support for Rodríguez, who is 56.

Machado, who had been in seclusion following Venezuela's upheavals but surfaced again in December, denounced those proposing Rodríguez as a suitable leader for the nation. She labeled Rodríguez as a key figure in the oppressive state under Maduro, alleging involvement in torture operations within the country.

Under the Trump administration, sanctions were placed on Rodríguez for her efforts to reinforce Maduro's authoritarian grip. However, no formal charges have been laid against her in the United States regarding her engagement with Maduro’s governance.

Machado mentioned that the U.S. might have directed Rodríguez to dismantle the regime's unlawful structures as a step towards democratic reform in Venezuela. Nonetheless, there is pervasive skepticism toward her, which might hinder her presidency.

Complicated International Relations

Machado accused Rodríguez of being a pivotal contact with certain foreign nations engaged in illegitimate activities in Venezuela.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Machado retains faith in the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan populace.

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