Machado thanks the EU and demands international support in the Venezuelan crisis.

The recent statement by María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, has resonated in the context of the political crisis that Venezuela is experiencing following the controversial elections on July 28. With gratitude towards the European Union for its critical stance against Nicolás Maduro's government, Machado has highlighted the importance of international support in the fight for a democratic Venezuela free from repression. This comes at a time when the country faces a climate of tension and social discontent, exacerbated by persecution and arbitrary detentions that have increased in recent months. Machado used her account on the social network X to express her gratitude to Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, who has been vocal in his demand to end the repression in Venezuela. Borrell's support is not limited to words; he also emphasizes the responsibility of the international community in facilitating a peaceful transition in the South American country. The former congresswoman has underscored the need to recognize the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, as manifested at the polls, and has urged democratic allies to strengthen their support for the opposition cause. The electoral climate, marked by accusations of fraud and repression, has led numerous nations to question the legitimacy of Maduro's victory. The EU's position, which considers the candidate of the main anti-Chavista coalition, Edmundo González Urrutia, to be the true winner, adds a new chapter to the controversy surrounding electoral processes in Venezuela. This recognition from such an influential bloc as the EU is a significant blow to Maduro's regime, which clings to power amid growing internal and external rejection. In his communication, Borrell also emphasized the urgent need for Venezuelan authorities to cease arbitrary detentions and harassment of opponents and media. According to reports from the Executive, more than 2,400 people have been detained in the context of protests that followed the elections, highlighting the climate of fear and repression in Venezuela. The lack of transparency in the electoral process and the reluctance of the National Electoral Council (CNE) to publish clear results further fuel distrust in Maduro’s administration. The CNE has claimed to have suffered a cyberattack that prevented the disclosure of definitive results, a situation that has been met with skepticism by both the opposition and international observers. The Carter Center, which monitored the elections, has stated that, according to the records collected by the opposition, González Urrutia would have won by a wide margin. Such discrepancies between the data provided by the government and the findings of independent organizations reinforce the perception of a deeply questioned electoral system. The international community is now more attentive than ever to events in Venezuela. The EU's demand, alongside the support of countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, seeks to have the CNE publish disaggregated results, a measure that could help clarify the situation and restore trust in the electoral process. However, Maduro's regime's response to these pressures remains uncertain, and many wonder how firm its resistance will be in the face of a growing clamor for democracy. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan people continue to suffer the consequences of an economic, social, and political crisis that seems endless. Violence, lack of basic resources, and political repression have driven millions of Venezuelans to seek refuge abroad. This massive exodus has created a humanitarian challenge in the region, where neighboring countries are trying to cope with the arrival of migrants in precarious conditions. Borrell's statement and Machado's backing are undoubtedly a ray of hope for many Venezuelans yearning for change. However, the reality on the ground remains complex and dangerous. The struggle for freedom and democracy in Venezuela is difficult, and the consequences of repression still mark the lives of those who dare to raise their voices against the regime. With the electoral landscape clouded and political tensions rising, the international community must remain vigilant and committed to seeking solutions that restore rights and freedoms in Venezuela. Recent history has shown that external pressure can influence the internal dynamics of authoritarian regimes, and the EU has expressed its intention to play an active role in this process. The lingering question is whether this support will be sufficient to catalyze significant change in a country that has seen its democracy eroded for years.