Maria Corina Machado Delivers Virtual Address at Munich Security Conference

Gratitude and International Support

• 👏 Maria Corina Machado expressed profound gratitude to the United States, particularly under President Trump's leadership, for decisive action in Venezuela's transition to democracy.
• 💡 She believes the US actions, including the initial release of political prisoners, are part of dismantling the repressive Maduro regime.
• 💬 Machado maintains permanent communication with various levels of the US government and Congress, highlighting Venezuela as a bipartisan national security issue for the US.

Venezuela's Potential and Crisis

• 🌍 Venezuela possesses immense natural resources like oil, gas, gold, and minerals, along with a unique geopolitical and economic location.
• ⚠️ The country is currently a "criminal hub" facing severe humanitarian, economic, public service, and security crises.
• 🎯 The long-term goal is to transform Venezuela from a criminal hub into the energy and technology hub of the Americas, serving as a global example of democracy.

Path to Democratic Transition

• 🚀 Machado aims to return to Venezuela as soon as possible after engaging international actors and organizing support abroad.
• 🏠 Millions of Venezuelans abroad and political leaders in exile desire to return only when there is certainty of a transition to democracy, not merely economic recovery.
• ✅ The July 28, 2024 election was a milestone where the opposition won by a landslide, demonstrating the people's and military's will for democracy, with Edmundo Gonzalez recognized as the legitimate elected president.

Electoral Reform and Conditions

• 🗓️ Technically, free and fair elections could be held in 40 weeks after dismantling the fraudulent electronic system and rebuilding a trustworthy one.
• 🗳️ This new system must ensure all Venezuelans, both inside and abroad, have the right to vote.
• 🤝 Venezuela has unique conditions for an orderly and peaceful transition to democracy, including a democratic culture, cohesive civil society, united opposition, and military support.

International Community's Role

• 🇪🇺 Europe is urged to move from joint statements to concrete actions, such as blocking criminal cash flows and implementing targeted measures against repressive elite groups.
• 🇨🇳 China, a significant investor, needs to engage with full compliance and transparency in a future democratic Venezuela, moving away from current lacking relations.
• ⚖️ International law should be applied to protect civilian populations and enforce justice, not to shield brutal regimes, with perpetrators of crimes facing repercussions through a strengthened judicial system.
• 🌱 The fight for freedom in Venezuela is seen as a contribution to global freedom, potentially leading to the Americas being free of communism and dictatorship in Cuba and Nicaragua.

Justice and Future Vision

• ⚖️ The speaker believes that justice must happen first for victims of the regime, with the truth known and victims repaired, though not seeking revenge.
• 💡 A democratic Venezuela will learn from past mistakes and build strong institutions and trusted leadership to safeguard its freedom for future generations.