María Corina holds a press conference alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre

Democracy and Peace in Venezuela

• 💡 The Norwegian Prime Minister highlighted the strong link between a working democracy and the path to freedom and peace, particularly in the context of Venezuela's authoritarian regime and refugee crisis.
• 🎯 He emphasized that peace cannot exist until democracy and elections are respected in Venezuela, a message with universal relevance for fighting for fundamental human rights.
• 👏 The Prime Minister saluted María Corina Machado's struggle, acknowledging the significant personal cost to her, her family, and the Venezuelan people.

Vision for a Free Venezuela

• 🚀 María Corina Machado expressed great hope for Venezuela's freedom, envisioning it as a future beacon of hope, opportunity, and democracy that will welcome back exiles and global citizens.
• 🧠 She articulated that peace requires democracy, and democracy requires individual freedom, which stems from conscious decisions and the courage to fight for what one loves.
• 💖 Machado believes that peace is ultimately an act of love for one's country, family, and the ability to live freely in one's homeland.

International Support and Venezuelan Challenges

• ✅ Machado expressed admiration for Norway's institutions and democracy, seeing it as an example for Venezuela to become an energy, technological, and democracy hub of the Americas.
• ⚠️ She stated that Venezuela is already "invaded" by Russian and Iranian agents, terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and Colombian guerrillas, turning it into a "criminal hub of the Americas."
• 💰 Machado urged the international community to cut off the regime's funding sources, such as drug trafficking, black market oil, and human trafficking, to weaken its repressive system.
• 🤝 The Norwegian Prime Minister affirmed Norway's readiness to support a democratic Venezuela in building new and sound institutions, respecting the clear will of the Venezuelan people.

Personal Sacrifice and Unwavering Resolve

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Machado shared the extraordinary and spiritual moment of reuniting with her children in Oslo after months in hiding, a deeply personal experience she will never forget.
• 💪 She vowed to bring the "prize" (democracy/freedom) back to Venezuela for all mothers longing to embrace their children and for those suffering under the regime.
• 🔥 Machado thanked those who risked their lives to help her reach Oslo and reiterated her conviction that Venezuela will be free, serving as an example for other nations without freedom.