Caracas, Jan 04 (V7N) — Following the US arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, opposition leader María Corina Machado addressed the nation for the first time, emphasizing the need to reestablish the people’s sovereignty and democratic governance. In an open letter to Venezuelan citizens, Machado called on Edmundo González Urrutia, the main opposition candidate in the 2024 presidential election, to assume his constitutional responsibilities as Venezuela’s next president.

Machado stated that Maduro must now face international justice for the crimes committed against Venezuelan citizens and other affected populations globally. She criticized Maduro for repeatedly rejecting dialogue and said that the United States’ enforcement of the law reflects the failure of prior negotiations.

According to Machado, Venezuela now requires the restoration of people-centered governance and sovereignty. She promised to reinstate law and order, release political prisoners, and rebuild the nation. Machado also assured Venezuelans living abroad that efforts would be made to safely repatriate them.

Machado reiterated that Edmundo González Urrutia was the legitimate winner of the 2024 election, which had been marred by widespread allegations of fraud, leading Maduro to assume office at the beginning of the year. González fled to Spain after the election and currently resides there. Machado demanded that he be immediately recognized and allowed to take office constitutionally, and she called on all levels of the armed forces to acknowledge him as the Supreme Commander.

She emphasized that all Venezuelans must remain vigilant, active, and united until democracy is fully restored.

Edmundo González Urrutia shared Machado’s letter on his X account, declaring that Venezuelan citizens are at a decisive moment and affirming that they are fully prepared to rebuild the nation.

Analysts note that Machado’s call and the US arrest of Maduro mark a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s political crisis, raising questions about sovereignty, international intervention, and the path toward democratic restoration.

END/WD/AJ/