Nobel Peace Prize Winner María Corina Machado Calls Venezuela "Chaos" Under Current Regime
María Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Venezuelan opposition leader, has described her country as being in a state of chaos under the current authoritarian government. In an interview with NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, Machado called for the removal of President Nicolás Maduro, whom she labeled an illegitimate strongman who seized power through rigged voting.
According to Machado, Venezuela is already experiencing profound instability under Maduro's leadership, and regime change would not lead to further chaos but rather bring stability. "Venezuela is in chaos," Machado said. "We need a new government that can restore democracy and human rights." She disputed claims made by the current regime that opposition-led changes would exacerbate the country's problems.
Machado was barred from running in last year's election, which many international observers deemed illegitimate. The opposition leader has been a vocal critic of Maduro's administration, accusing it of suppressing dissent and perpetuating human rights abuses. "The current government is not legitimate," Machado stated. "It's a dictatorship that has no regard for the rule of law or democratic principles."
Venezuela has been plagued by economic crisis, hyperinflation, and widespread poverty since Maduro took power in 2013. The country's humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with millions of Venezuelans forced to flee their homes due to food shortages, lack of access to healthcare, and other basic necessities.
Machado's comments come as the international community continues to pressure Maduro's government to step down. The United States, European Union, and several Latin American countries have imposed sanctions on key officials in the regime, citing human rights abuses and electoral manipulation. However, the current administration remains defiant, with Maduro vowing to maintain control through any means necessary.
As Venezuela teeters on the brink of collapse, Machado's call for regime change has sparked renewed debate about the country's future. While some argue that a new government could bring much-needed stability and reform, others warn of potential instability and power struggles in the aftermath of Maduro's departure.
In response to these concerns, Machado emphasized that her goal is not to create chaos but to restore democracy and human rights in Venezuela. "We need a new government that can work with the international community to rebuild our country," she said. "We need a government that can ensure the rule of law, protect human rights, and provide for the basic needs of our people."
The situation in Venezuela remains dire, with millions of citizens struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. As Machado's call for regime change gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether her efforts will ultimately lead to a more stable and democratic future for the country.
Background information on María Corina Machado:
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. She has been a vocal critic of President Nicolás Maduro's administration, accusing it of suppressing dissent and perpetuating human rights abuses. Machado was barred from running in last year's election, which many international observers deemed illegitimate.
Attribution:
This article is based on information provided by NPR Politics, including an interview with María Corina Machado for Weekend Edition Sunday.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR Politics.
