Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is reportedly dragging his feet when it comes to stepping down from power, as he doubts he would receive a lasting amnesty if he did so, according to new findings.
The Wall Street Journal highlights that Maduro only feels secure around his loyal supporters. Both he and his close associates perceive the military maneuvers by the Trump administration offshore as mere posturing.
They assert that the only feasible method to remove him from office would require actual deployment of troops to Venezuela, which they believe is improbable. Analyst Phil Gunson from the International Crisis Group stated, “Maduro thinks he’s safer staying right where he is than going anywhere else.”
Additionally, remaining in Venezuela under new leadership might expose Maduro and his allies to various legal actions, including drug trafficking and kickback schemes related to the energy sector. They are particularly wary of a government led by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who has asserted that the current regime must be held accountable. In her recently released “Freedom Manifesto,” she emphasized this commitment.
Another report indicates that U.S. officials share the view that convincing Maduro to resign is challenging, especially since his Cuban handlers might resort to severe actions against him.
Axios reported that discussions are underway for Trump to converse directly with Maduro while U.S. military presence off the coast intensifies.
In a statement on Tuesday, Trump mentioned he “might talk” with Maduro, stressing, “If we can save lives and take the easy route, that’s welcomed. But if we need to handle it the hard way, that’s okay, too.”
Naim, speaking with the Spanish outlet El Pais, suggested that while Maduro may publicly express a desire to interact with Trump, he has no intention of negotiating any terms. Past dialogue attempts have simply allowed Maduro to “buy time and bolster his grip on power without adhering to any agreements he makes.”
Political scientist Carmen Beatriz Fernandez echoed this sentiment, declaring that “Maduro is up for discussion, but he won’t yield anything.” She remarked, “For him, discussions are merely a facade — they are just photo opportunities. He wants to engage in conversation, but real negotiations are off the table.”
