It’s the Hour of Freedom: Nobel Laureate Machado Praises US for Capturing Maduro

Following a dramatic early-morning military operation by the United States in Caracas that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, nobel peace prize-winning Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared that Venezuela had entered what she described as its long-awaited moment of liberation.

Describing the development as historic, Machado took to social media on Saturday to announce that the country’s “hour of freedom” had finally arrived. Her statement came shortly after Washington officially confirmed that Maduro had been detained by US forces during the operation.

“The HOUR OF FREEDOM has arrived, Venezuelans!” Machado wrote, calling it a decisive turning point after years of political repression, economic collapse, and institutional decay. She framed the moment as the culmination of a prolonged struggle against authoritarian rule.

According to Machado, the opposition was now fully prepared to move forward with a long-promised democratic transition. “We are prepared to carry out our mandate and seize power today,” she said, urging citizens to remain alert and organized.

“Let us remain vigilant, active, and organized until the Democratic Transition is realized,” she added. “A transition that needs ALL of us.”

Call to the Armed Forces and Recognition of González Urrutia

Machado also issued a direct appeal to Venezuela’s armed forces, demanding that they restore constitutional order by recognizing opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate leader of the country.

She insisted that González Urrutia, whom the opposition claims won the disputed July 2024 presidential election, must be acknowledged as the lawful commander-in-chief. “He must be recognized as Commander in Chief of the National Armed Forces by all officers and soldiers,” Machado stated.

González Urrutia, a career diplomat who was relatively unknown nationally before the election campaign, emerged as the opposition’s candidate after Maduro-aligned institutions barred Machado from contesting the presidency.

Machado’s Nobel Prize and US Connection

Since Maduro’s controversial re-election, Machado has largely remained in hiding due to security concerns. According to AFP, she is currently abroad at an undisclosed location and has avoided public appearances within Venezuela.

In December, Machado reportedly traveled undercover to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. During the ceremony, she dedicated the award to former US President Donald Trump and publicly praised Washington’s actions against the Maduro government.

Her alignment with Trump has drawn mixed reactions. While many supporters applaud her unwavering stance against authoritarianism, critics argue that her close identification with US leadership risks alienating segments of Venezuelan society.

Trump’s Mixed Signals on Venezuelan Leadership

Despite Machado’s praise, Trump appeared less enthusiastic when questioned about her leadership potential. Speaking to reporters, he suggested that Machado would face significant challenges governing Venezuela.

“I believe that she would have a very difficult time leading,” Trump said. “She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.”

Trump also indicated he might be open to engaging with Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, describing her as someone who was “essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.”

A Nation at a Crossroads

As Venezuela stands at a critical crossroads, Machado’s declaration has intensified political momentum across the country. Supporters see the arrest of Maduro as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore democracy, while skeptics warn that the path ahead remains uncertain.

What happens next will depend not only on international diplomacy but also on whether Venezuela’s institutions, particularly the military, choose to recognize the opposition’s call for change.