The team of the president-elect of the United States, donald trumpis outlining a strategy that seeks to end more than two decades of Chavismo in Venezuela.
One of the first measures under consideration is the revocation of the license that allows the American oil company Chevron to operate in the South American country, which could significantly impact the fragile economic stability of the regime. Nicolas Maduroaccording to EFE.
Sources close to Trump’s transition team have indicated that the strategy includes a negotiated exit for Maduro into exile, possibly in Moscow, similar to the situation of the Syrian leader. Bashar al-Assad.
“Maduro will end up leaving in less time than we think,” a source from Trump’s foreign policy team assured. Axiosaccording to the aforementioned source.
A priority for the Trump administration
The issue of Venezuela has taken on relevance within Trump’s foreign policy team, headed by Senator Marco Rubiowho has suggested that the presence of Venezuelan criminals in the United States represents a threat to national security.
“In Venezuela drug trafficking organizations have taken over the StateRubio said during his recent Senate confirmation hearing, describing the Maduro regime as a drug trafficking organization that has taken control of Venezuela.
In his confirmation hearing in the Senate, Rubio expressed his intention to review the licenses granted to companies like Chevron, which have been contributing million-dollar income to the Maduro government without it complying with democratic commitments.
Rubio, along with key figures such as Christopher Landau, Michael Waltz and Mauricio Claver-Caronehave held meetings with Edmundo González Urrutiarecognized by Washington as the elected president of Venezuela, and with the opposition Maria Corina Machadoto coordinate efforts and evaluate possible additional sanctions.
Maduro, under increasing international pressure
As Trump refines his strategy, Maduro faces growing international pressure.
The European Union has intensified its sanctions against senior officials of Chavismo, while the United States has increased rewards for information leading to the capture of Maduro and Diosdado Cabellowhom Washington considers leaders of the so-called “Cartel of the Suns”, a drug trafficking organization linked to the regime.
Trump has also announced his intention to designate drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations,” which could include the Venezuelan regime and generate more forceful actions against it.
In that sense, we must not forget that the declared purpose of the American invasion of Panama was to overthrow the de facto ruler, General Manuel Noriegawho was wanted by authorities for organized crime and drug trafficking.
According to sources in the incoming administration, cited by cnnthe designation of drug trafficking groups as “foreign terrorist organizations” would allow resources from the Department of Homeland Security to be mobilized to block Chavismo’s financing routes.
A reconstruction plan for Venezuela
Sources close to González Urrutia revealed that, within the framework of these efforts, they are working on a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Venezuela.
The plan would seek to attract foreign investments to reactivate the country’s economy, which has faced years of economic and social crisis. The proposal would include tax incentives for American companies willing to operate in the country under a transitional government.
This plan would have the support of regional allies such as Colombia and Brazil, who have expressed concern about the impact of the Venezuelan crisis on the stability of the continent.
In addition, the Organization of American States (OAS) is expected to play a key role in overseeing an eventual transition process.
Reactions of Chavismo
For its part, the Maduro government has described Trump’s plans as “a new imperialist interference” and has reiterated its willingness to resist any attempt at international pressure. In a recent speech, Maduro declared he was “prepared for any scenario“, and mentioned that it has the support of allies such as Cuba, Nicaragua and Iran.
New sanctions and diplomatic measures are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks to increase Maduro’s isolation and pave the way for a political transition in Venezuela. The international community, led by the United States, is closely following these developments in the hope of ending the Chavista regime peacefully and definitively.
