As millions of Venezuelans wait to see what will happen to their economically and politically devastated country, a battle has emerged between two leaders for control of the nation’s future and the favor of the United States president.
On one side is opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, who gained prominence in recent years for her tireless fight for democracy in venezuela, facing off against now-ousted President Nicolás Maduro.
machado has largely remained out of sight following the controversial 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela, after which electoral authorities controlled by the government declared Maduro the winner, allowing him to cling to power until his capture by US special forces in an operation two weeks ago.
Her rival is Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice president, who now assumes her new role as interim president.Rodríguez is seen as a staunch member of the old guard and a staunch defender of Maduro; however, she finds herself in a delicate position trying to appease both Washington and those loyal to the Maduro regime in her country.
