Venezuela

The European Parliament Awards the Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González

A Turning Point in Venezuela’s Struggle for Freedom

The European Parliament has granted the prestigious 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, in acknowledgment of their courageous and prolonged struggle for freedom and the return of democracy in Venezuela. The award ceremony is scheduled for December 18. This distinction holds great significance not only for these freedom fighters but also for the millions of Venezuelans who raised their voices on July 28 against Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime, choosing a new path for Venezuela under the leadership of Edmundo González.

Who Are the Awardees?

María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s most prominent opposition politician, represents the relentless fight against human rights abuses and the catastrophic economic conditions under the Bolivarian regime. As a liberal politician, she has faced numerous obstacles in challenging the Chávez and Maduro administrations. Her resolve in refusing to compromise with the regime has earned her both criticism and admiration. Her determination, clear stance, and extraordinary personal courage have garnered the support of the majority of Venezuelans.

As the leader of the liberal party “Vente Venezuela,” Machado has overcome numerous hurdles throughout her political career and has been a constant target of politically motivated violence, perpetrated both by the regime and its supporters. Despite travel bans and airlines’ refusal to sell her tickets, she continued to travel across the country to convince Venezuelans that freedom and a social market economy are the only paths to overcoming the crisis. In October 2023, she won the opposition primary elections with an overwhelming 92% of the vote.

When Machado was eventually disqualified by Maduro through a compliant court, Edmundo González entered the stage. This former diplomat, who served as ambassador to Argentina and Algeria, was known for his consensus-building abilities. He was appointed as the “substitute candidate” when it became clear that Machado would not be able to participate in the presidential elections.

González, who was already retired, was persuaded by his wife and daughters to take on the challenge. Some individuals do not seek power but nonetheless make history; González is one of them. Alongside Machado, he led a courageous campaign marked by violence, repression, and restrictions.

What Has Happened Since the Presidential Elections?

On July 28, the Machado-González duo won the presidential elections with 67% of the vote, while Nicolás Maduro received only 30%. Over a million volunteers carefully monitored and documented the results. Data from 83.5% of the polling stations were collected and published. However, Maduro did not acknowledge his defeat and manipulated the elections. To date, the Maduro-controlled Electoral Council has not published a single electoral document. Election observers from the Carter Center declared that the election cannot be considered democratic, and the United Nations confirmed the authenticity of the results published by the opposition.

In response to growing discontent over the fraudulent elections and the economic crisis, the regime intensified its repression. Reports indicated 27 deaths, hundreds injured and disappeared, and Venezuelan authorities stated that approximately 2,200 people are detained, including 69 minors, according to a non-governmental organization.

A Regime on the Defensive

The Maduro regime’s increasing repression and acts of violence have exposed its true nature while also highlighting the steadfast determination of Venezuelans to fight for their freedom. In early September, Edmundo González was forced to leave the country to protect his life and that of his comrades. From his exile in Spain, he continues to fight for a free Venezuela, while María Corina Machado leads the resistance within the country under challenging conditions. She has been in hiding for weeks, with her life constantly at risk. However, she reaffirms her resolve not to leave Venezuela; her fight continues “until the end,” as she has repeatedly proclaimed with the slogan: #HastaElFinal.

What’s Next?

Several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Costa Rica, and Peru, along with the United States, have already recognized Edmundo González’s electoral victory. In late September, the European Parliament passed a resolution recognizing him as the legitimate president of Venezuela.

It remains to be seen whether Nicolás Maduro will be willing to transfer power to Edmundo González on January 10. The Sakharov Prize sends a strong signal to Venezuela’s democratic forces and increases pressure on the Maduro regime. The following steps are necessary:

• Recognition of Edmundo González as the elected president by Germany, Spain, and other EU member states, as well as by Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, and support for the transition on January 10.
• Immediate release of all political prisoners and an end to repression against civil society.
• Suspension of all oil imports from Venezuela until further notice.
• Additional seizures of Maduro and his circle’s assets abroad and freezing of their accounts.

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia has announced that he will return to his country on January 10 to assume office as “elected president.” He emphasized that he has the support of around eight million Venezuelans and that the international community, including more than 30 countries, has recognized him as president.

It is evident that the Maduro regime’s legitimacy has completely eroded; the fraud has been too blatant, and rejection of his government is widespread. Venezuela still faces many dark days, but sooner or later, democracy will prevail in this country.