Interview, Fireside Chat, Conference Presentation
A Conversation with Venezuelan Democratic Leader Maria Corina Machado | Global Conference 2026
- A democratic transition is projected to occur within the next 12 months, contingent upon the holding of an electoral event and the implementation of a three-phase process outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- The new administration plans to establish the rule of law rapidly, reform a "totally corrupt" electoral system, and enact a comprehensive legal framework, with the specific electoral reform timeline estimated at roughly nine months or 40 weeks following the political decision to proceed.
- An agreement with the IMF to restructure approximately $190 billion in debt is expected to reintegrate Venezuela into the international financial system, enabling an expensive stabilization program to control inflation.
- Massive infrastructure investments and a comprehensive privatization process for the oil and gas sector, ranging from upstream to downstream operations, are planned to allow the government to focus exclusively on regulation.
- Oil production is targeted to increase from one million barrels per day to five million barrels per day, supported by massive investments and the return of millions of talented expatriates to serve as capital for these initiatives.
- The nation aims to leverage artificial intelligence to leapfrog development in energy, technology, finance, and infrastructure, while laying the foundation for a modernized financial sector with full access for citizens.
- Legal proceedings regarding crimes against humanity will continue at the ICC beyond the next democratic government, while other regime-linked individuals may be included in a reconciliation process, contingent on incentives offered to facilitate a negotiated transition.
- Pressure from both abroad and within the country is deemed necessary to compel the current regime toward free elections, with a goal of securing a fixed electoral calendar to provide certainty for investors and the public.
- Risks include the potential for anarchic manifestations if the transition process remains unorganized, and the necessity of providing the military and existing regime members a safe path forward to ensure vindication within Venezuelan society.
- The roadmap involves establishing multilateral agreements and support specifically for the judiciary and vulnerable populations, alongside the launch of a stabilization program designed to unlock the country's immense potential.