This Nobel Prize win for Maria Corina Machado is being hugely welcomed by the opposition in Venezuela. The hope is it will draw renewed international attention to their cause.
Responding to the prize, Machado directly called for help from the man who had hoped he would win it.
Today more than ever we count on President Trump, Machado said.
She hopes through the help of him, the US, other nations in Latin America, and democratic nations of the world, Venezuela will achieve freedom and democracy. The question is: how far will Donald Trump go?
There is a lot at stake in Venezuela right now. Picture a country where millions of people live in poverty. Basic services, like electricity, are unreliable in many areas. The health system is in crisis, with acute medicine shortages. Millions of citizens have fled in recent years, many to the US or neighbouring countries.
The last election was widely dismissed internationally as neither free nor fair. Security forces cracked down on protests after the vote, with many people detained. Human rights organisations believe there are still hundreds of political prisoners.
Recently, the US has started bombing boats off the country’s coast, which it alleges carry drug traffickers. These strikes have raised concerns about legality.
Machado, the de facto leader of the opposition, is currently in hiding due to threats from the government. Both she and the opposition candidate recognized by the US live under the looming threat of retribution.
While Machado's Nobel win might provide a glimmer of hope, the reality in Venezuela is harsh, and the call for Trump’s support signifies both a plea and a complicated geopolitical landscape where US intervention could rapidly escalate tensions.
