Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has issued a stern warning to Nicolás Maduro's regime following the abduction of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Machado was detained on Thursday while participating in a peaceful demonstration. Through a statement on his social media platform, Social Truth, Trump expressed solidarity with the protesters and support for Venezuelan democracy, emphasizing that both Machado and Venezuela's President-elect, Edmundo González, are exercising their right to voice the people's will.
In his message, the former U.S. President demanded that Machado and other opposition leaders be safeguarded and remain "secure and alive."
"María Corina Machado, a champion of Venezuelan democracy, and President-elect González are peacefully amplifying the voices and demands of the Venezuelan people, with hundreds of thousands rallying against the regime," Trump stated. "These freedom fighters must not be harmed and MUST stay SAFE AND ALIVE," he insisted.
Trump's statement comes amidst escalating tensions in Venezuela, where countless citizens have taken to the streets demanding the end of Maduro's regime and the restoration of democracy, just hours before the chavista government is set to be sworn in for another term.
Massive Protests Lead by Opposition Figures
The ongoing demonstrations, described as the largest in years, are spearheaded by key opposition figures like Machado and González, who have called on the international community to back the Venezuelan cause. Trump highlighted the significant support he has received from the Venezuelan community in the U.S., noting that it played a "crucial" role in his presidential campaign, while expressing his solidarity with their fight for a free Venezuela.
Trump's message was quickly echoed by the opposition group Comando Venezuela and Edmundo González, who expressed gratitude for the former president's support in a tweet. "Thank you, President-elect Trump! Venezuelans know we can count on your resolve for the Venezuelan cause," emphasized the Venezuelan opposition leader, who reportedly won the presidential election by a wide margin that the chavista regime is attempting to obscure.
Global Response to Machado's Detention
The abduction of María Corina Machado, one of the most prominent figures in the Venezuelan opposition, has sparked international condemnation and concern for the safety of those opposing Maduro's regime. Reports indicate that Machado was detained without legal justification while leading a march in Caracas and was released hours later.
The United States, Canada, several Latin American countries, and the European Union have recognized Edmundo González as Venezuela's President-elect.
FAQs on Venezuela's Political Situation
What prompted Trump's warning to Maduro?
Trump issued a warning to Maduro following the abduction of opposition leader María Corina Machado during a peaceful protest.
Who is María Corina Machado?
María Corina Machado is a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and advocate for democracy.
How has the international community reacted to the situation in Venezuela?
The international community, including the U.S., Canada, and the EU, has condemned the abduction and recognized Edmundo González as the President-elect of Venezuela.