Nobel Prize Winner María Corina Machado Says Venezuela is in "Chaos" Under Current Regime
María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has spoken out against the current regime in her country, calling it "chaos." In an interview with NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, Machado stated that President Nicolás Maduro's administration had brought Venezuela to a state of collapse.
According to Machado, who is still in hiding within Venezuela's borders, Maduro's illegitimate rule has led to widespread suffering and economic devastation. "We are living in chaos," she said. "The country is on the brink of collapse, and it's not just the economy that's failing - it's the entire system."
Machado's comments come as no surprise, given her long-standing opposition to Maduro's rule. She has been a vocal critic of his administration, which she claims has become increasingly authoritarian. "Maduro is an illegitimate strongman who has elbowed his way into a third term despite consistent evidence that his administration had rigged the election," Machado said.
The situation in Venezuela has been dire for years, with widespread poverty, food and medicine shortages, and a massive exodus of citizens fleeing the country. According to the United Nations, over 5 million Venezuelans have left their homes since 2015, with many more expected to follow.
Machado's call for Maduro's removal is not new, but it highlights the growing desperation among Venezuela's opposition leaders. "We need a change in government," she said. "We need a transition to democracy, and we need it now."
The international community has been critical of Maduro's regime, with many countries imposing sanctions on his administration. The United States, in particular, has been a vocal critic, with President Joe Biden calling for free and fair elections.
Machado's comments have sparked renewed calls for action from the international community. "We need to support the Venezuelan people," said José Miguel Vivanco, executive director of Human Rights Watch Americas. "We need to pressure Maduro's regime to allow for free and fair elections, and we need to provide humanitarian aid to those who are suffering."
As the situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, Machado remains a key figure in the opposition movement. Her Nobel Peace Prize win in 2025 was seen as a recognition of her tireless efforts to bring about change in her country.
The future is uncertain for Venezuela, but one thing is clear: the people are demanding change. As Machado said, "We will not be silenced. We will not be defeated. We will continue to fight for our freedom and our democracy."
Attribution:
According to NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday interview with María Corina Machado
According to Human Rights Watch Americas executive director José Miguel Vivanco
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
