Machado warned that Maduro’s regime “is absolutely delegitimized” and the situation in Venezuela is “unsustainable”

Maria Corina Machado He turns on the camera, behind him a neutral background of his last appearances since going underground. In an interview with a French news agency AFPhead of the Venezuelan opposition ensures that power Nicolas Maduro It is “unsustainable” after his contested re-election.

Machado ran an election campaign that he claims resulted in the “overwhelming defeat” of the opposition, although the electoral authority declared Maduro the winner for a third consecutive six-year term.

“No one doubts that Edmundo González won”says the 56-year-old leader, dressed in a pristine white shirt. “The regime is absolutely delegitimized (…), it is an international pariah.”

“This is an unsustainable situation”keep going “Maduro is trying to tell his people who are left that it will last, that it is stable, that the world will turn the page and that we Venezuelans will remain silent.”

But “that’s not going to happen. “This system is unviable financially, diplomatically and most importantly socially.”assures.

The result of the National Electoral Council (CNE) – 52% for Maduro – was upheld by the Supreme Court (TSJ), both accused of serving a leftist ruler. The opposition, in turn, is hiding behind copies of 80% of the voting records, which it says demonstrate the victory of González Urrutia, who replaced Machado after his disqualification.

However, the situation of anti-chavism is uncertain. González Urrutia went into exile in Spain on September 8 and Machado is still in hiding, which exceptionally interrupted participation in demonstrations.

“It’s a huge change and a big personal challenge,” he admits. “It was many months of being in contact with thousands of people all the time, listening, hugging, kissing and then suddenly not having direct contact for weeks.”

Dozens of opposition leaders were also arrested, joining more than 2,400 detained and charged with terrorism for taking part in protests that broke out after the results were announced and were harshly repressed by law enforcement.

“What does Maduro have today? 90% of the country against, 90% of the country that wants change”Machado stands his ground. “All that’s left is violence and terror.”

Two months before the election, however, Machado is calling for small demonstrations on Saturday despite fears of new arrests. “It’s not a rally of 50,000 people, it’s a 1,000 rally of 50. It’s very powerful,” he explains.

The opposition leader is celebrating the international support her cause has received. It is clear that allied countries such as Brazil, Colombia or Mexico did not recognize Maduro’s victory and the speeches of several leaders about Venezuela at the United Nations General Assembly.

“It’s very important,” he emphasizes. “We saw a level of total support, total alignment.

Support from the United States, the European Union and the G7 also stands out. “It is not just a matter of demanding an end to repression and respecting the will of the people. These countries are directly talking about the transition to democracy.”

“When will Maduro have real incentives to sit down and negotiate a transition? The day when the cost of staying in power is greater than the cost of leaving power. “So we have to reduce the cost of removing power, increase the cost of maintaining power, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”points out.

It does not address the guarantees it would offer the government and its “repressive arm,” which includes the justice system and military forces that have repeatedly pledged “absolute loyalty” to Maduro.

“It is an ongoing process and no one can say how long it will take,” adds the former deputy.

Machado warns of the risk of a new migration wave. “Maduro wants millions of Venezuelans to leave”emphasizes. “We are in time to prevent the largest and most painful wave of migration in this hemisphere.”

About 8 million of the 30 million Venezuelans have fled the crisis since 2014, according to the United Nations. In the campaign, Machado insisted on the risk of another 5 million fleeing if Maduro remained in power.

“Some people can’t wait.he wails. “It’s not an issue they believe won’t change, but maybe they can’t wait as long as it takes.” When you’re hungry, when you can’t enroll your child in school, when you can’t pay for medicine… you can’t expect these processes to consolidate.”

However, he is an optimist: January 10, Inauguration Day in Venezuela, “Edmundo González Urrutia must take the presidential oath” and excludes symbolic ceremonies abroad. “It doesn’t exist, it will take an oath in Venezuela.”

And Machado, have you considered exile? “I am where I feel most useful for the fight, in Venezuela”he claims. “I am here accompanying Venezuelans as a struggle that continues that is much bigger than any of us.

By Patrick Fort and Javier Tovar (AFP)