Amid the many questions swirling since last weekend's dramatic events in Caracas, one central issue emerges: why has the Trump administration opted to support Delcy Rodríguez, the daughter of a former Marxist guerilla and Maduro’s deputy, over Nobel Prize-winning opposition leader María Corina Machado?
Former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela, Charles Shapiro, argues that the administration is prioritizing stability over democracy, effectively maintaining the dictatorial framework without the dictator himself. He warns, however, that this approach is risky.
During a press conference, President Trump dismissed Machado as 'not respected' in Venezuela and praised Rodríguez instead, a move that raised eyebrows among political observers. Many believed this undermined the legitimacy of Machado's opposition movement.
Critics of the current plan argue that while it seeks to avoid chaos, it also sidelines ordinary Venezuelans who are left in a precarious state. The administration’s decision to bypass Machado in favor of Rodríguez reflects an inclination towards managing the fallout rather than facilitating a genuine democratic transition.
The challenges ahead are profound, with calls for a process of reconciliation following stabilization efforts. However, achieving a meaningful democratic transition remains murky, with critics cautioning that the absence of a long-term plan could continue to disadvantage the Venezuelan populace.
