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Francisco Rodríguez urges Machado to expand her alliances

AT THE JOSEF KORBEL SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER | Francisco Rodríguez, Venezuelan economist. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

“THERE’S NO REASON WHY YOU HAVE TO PUT ALL YOUR EGGS ON TRUMP’S BASKET,”WAS RODRÍGUEZ’S MESSAGE TO MARÍA CORINA MACHADO

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In a lively panel on the future of hemispheric relations following the intervention in Venezuela, Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodríguez, professor at the Josef Korbel School of Global & Public Affairs at the University of Denver (DU), offered a candid reflection on Venezuela’s political situation and, in particular, on the current role of opposition leader María Corina Machado.

The event featured prominent academics and leaders such as Frederick “Fritz” Mayer, Dean of the Korbel School; Janine Davidson, President of Metropolitan State University of Denver and 32nd Undersecretary of the U.S. Navy; and Luis Zerpa, Venezuelan petroleum engineer and professor at Colorado School of Mines. They joined Rodríguez in discussing the complex democratic transition in the South American country.

Legitimacy earned through elections and popular support

Rodríguez, known for his analyses of macroeconomics and public policy in Venezuela, directly addressed the question of what he would recommend to Machado, who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against authoritarianism and has sought to strengthen her international political position. “There’s no reason why you have to put all your eggs on Trump’s basket,” the economist said, in a clear reference to Machado’s strategy of seeking support primarily from the former U.S. president.

Rodríguez added that, while he understands that President Trump has influence over the transition, “that is not the plan you [Machado] want to play,” emphasizing that “leadership must arise from a genuine mandate backed by elections and popular support.” The expert’s warning comes in a context where, despite Machado’s international recognition, the Trump administration has expressed doubts about her leadership ability, stating that she “does not have support or respect within the country” to govern Venezuela.

Francisco Rodríguez urges Machado to expand her alliances Francisco Rodríguez recomienda a Machado ampliar sus alianzas

Flexibility and negotiation skills

Rodríguez also suggested that the opposition leader should seek bipartisan support within the United States and not rely on a single political figure. “If you need U.S. help, build it in a way that is bipartisan,” he said, highlighting the importance of a broader political base that transcends polarization. Additionally, the scholar pointed out an internal challenge for the Venezuelan opposition: the tension between hardline rhetoric and political realities when it comes to governing.

“The harder you are, the more popular the opposition becomes among its supporters. But when it’s time to govern, agreements must be made,” Rodríguez explained, emphasizing the need for a balance between ideals and political pragmatism. The context of these recommendations is even more relevant when considering the role of Delcy Rodríguez, former vice president under Nicolás Maduro’s government and now a central figure in Venezuela’s transition supported by Washington following Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces.

Francisco Rodríguez urges Machado to expand her alliances

Rodríguez has actively negotiated with U.S. authorities and maintains a pragmatic relationship that, according to analysts, is part of a strategy for stability during the transition. Rodríguez’s recommendation to Machado summarizes a key requirement for the Venezuelan opposition at this critical moment: expand alliances, adopt a flexible political strategy, and strengthen her internal base before aspiring to lead a potential new democratic government in Venezuela.

Who chose Delcy Rodríguez?

Rodríguez emphasized that Machado’s exclusion from an immediate position of power was not solely a personal decision by President Trump but the result of evaluations by the U.S. national security establishment. “Apparently it wasn’t just Trump’s decision; this came from national security evaluations,” the economist explained. He added that this position also included the recommendation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“It was [the decision to support a government with Delcy Rodríguez], apparently, also a recommendation from Marco Rubio,” Rodríguez noted. The economist recalled that it was Rubio who nominated Machado for the Nobel Peace Prize, long before assuming his role in the Trump administration. Rodríguez highlighted that Washington’s policy toward Venezuela responds to strategic and governance calculations, rather than ideological affinities or pressure from a single political actor.