After Nicolas Maduro's capture, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she is 'ready and willing to serve' Venezuela, asserting the people have made their choice. She also named Edmundo Gonzalez as the opposition's 'president-elect'.
Machado Declares Readiness to Lead Venezuela
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Tuesday said she is "ready and willing to serve" the country, adding that the people of Venezuela have already made their choice. Speaking to CBS News following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Machado said Venezuela's future depends on the collective decision of its people. "Well, the people of Venezuela have already chosen. And and there's something that feel proud about is how Venewars have understand that this is a personal individual decision. It's not a matter only of leadership. It's a matter of a whole society need to do what it takes to take responsibility for our own future, Machado said."
When asked whether that meant she should be Venezuela's next leader, Machado said, "Yes, absolutely yes. And we have a president-elect. we are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated".
This comes as Machado, a former legislator, had won the opposition primary to contest the 2024 presidential election against Nicolas Maduro. However, the Maduro government later barred her from running. Retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez was then named as the opposition's presidential candidate in her place, CBS news reported.
Trump Questions Machado's Credibility
US President Donald Trump had earlier questioned Machado's credibility as a potential leader of Venezuela. "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader," Trump said, referring to Machado. "She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect," he said.
Criticism of Interim President Delcy Rodriguez
In the interview with CBS, Machado further noted that her opposition coalition already has a president-elect in Edmundo Gonzalez. Venezuela is currently being led by interim president Delcy Rodriguez, a close ally of Maduro. Machado criticised Rodriguez, saying she is "nothing but like a moderate" and that "nobody trusts her," referring to her role in the Maduro government.
"Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played. She was sanctioned by the United States Government of the corruption and all the involment in criminal activities. Beyond that, she has been the architect and director of the Torture Centers in Venezuela of repression force or innocent people and the main link that has relations with Russia, with Iran and other countries, so certainly she is nothing but like a moderate. "
Rodriguez, 56, was sworn in as interim president on Monday, days after US militray lauched a strike on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Machado Praises Trump for Maduro's Capture
Reacting to Trump's remarks on her, Machado credited the US president for bringing Maduro to justice. "A few weeks ago, people would have said it was impossible to reach this point. And President Trump's leadership and courage has brought Nicolas Maduro to face justice. And this is huge," Machado said. "This is a major step towards restoring prosperity and rule of law and democracy in Venezuela."
Earlier, Machado had dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize award to US President Donald Trump. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)