María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition, has sharply criticized the newly appointed interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, calling her “perhaps even more ruthless” than her predecessor, **Nicolas Maduro**. Machado’s comments come following Maduro’s capture and extradition to the **United States**, a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape.
In an interview set to air on **CBS Evening News**, Machado stated, “Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played” in supporting Maduro’s oppressive regime. Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president, was sworn in as the interim president on **Monday**, marking a contentious moment for the country. The Venezuelan military has expressed its support for Rodríguez, who is **56 years old**.
Machado, who has been in hiding since the **2024 election**, emerged to discuss her views on Venezuela’s future. She has gained international attention, including a nomination for the **Nobel Peace Prize** in December 2024. In her remarks, she condemned those who believe Rodríguez is fit to lead, labeling her as “one of the architects of Maduro’s brutal regime” and accusing her of overseeing torture sites in Venezuela.
The situation is further complicated by allegations from former hostage negotiator **Roger Carstens**, who indicated that the Maduro regime had tortured American citizens detained for minor offenses. Rodríguez was sanctioned during **Donald Trump**’s presidency due to her involvement in maintaining Maduro’s authoritarian grip on power but has not faced any criminal charges in the U.S.
Machado expressed concern over Rodríguez’s leadership capabilities, stating that “nobody trusts her.” This skepticism could pose challenges as Rodríguez attempts to navigate her new role amid ongoing political turmoil. Machado also alleged that Rodríguez had been a crucial link in communications with countries such as Russia and Iran, which have engaged in “criminal activities” in Venezuela.
Despite the bleak outlook, Machado remains hopeful about the Venezuelan populace. She emphasized her belief in the people’s strength and resilience, suggesting that a transition to democracy may still be possible.
For those interested in further insights, Machado’s complete interview with Tony Dokoupil will be available on **CBS Evening News** at **18:30 ET**. The political landscape in Venezuela remains fluid, and the actions of both Machado and Rodríguez will be pivotal in determining the country’s trajectory in the coming months.
