Venezuela’s Democratic Transition and Cuba’s Communist Strain: Florida Leaders Highlight Long Road Ahead

Florida Senator Rick Scott warned Monday that while democracy is likely to return to Venezuela following Nicolas Maduro’s arrest, the process will be lengthy as attention shifts toward the challenges posed by communist rule in Cuba.

Scott spoke at a media briefing in Doral alongside Cuban dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer and supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. “It’s going to be a lot of work to get to democracy and freedom,” Scott stated, emphasizing that Venezuelans must strive for opportunities their children will inherit. “We want the kids in Venezuela to have the same opportunities we want for our kids and grandkids.”

The senator noted that Maduro’s arrest marks a turning point but not an immediate resolution for Venezuela. He also suggested Cuba’s communist government may face mounting pressure, citing Ferrer’s decades-long fight for freedom. “He’s been here as a fighter for freedom and liberty,” Scott said of Ferrer. “And he knows, like we all do, that the days of [Cuban President Miguel] Diaz-Canel are numbered.”

Representative Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., who attended the event, echoed similar concerns, referencing President Donald Trump’s remarks about Cuba’s instability. “If you’re shuddering a little bit, if you’re a little bit scared in Cuba, I think you should be,” Gimenez said. He acknowledged that Maduro’s arrest is just the start of Venezuela’s complex political transition.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez had called for Maduro’s immediate release over the weekend, asserting his legitimacy as leader while expressing interest in U.S.-led peace talks. “Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence,” Rodriguez wrote on social media. “Our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation.”

Gimenez stressed the difficulty of rebuilding Venezuela’s institutions: “This is not going to be easy, probably easier to arrest Nicolas Maduro than it is to convert Venezuela into the democracy we want.”

Scott defended Maria Corina Machado, breaking with recent presidential remarks questioning her leadership. “She’s well respected by Venezuelans,” he said. “I predict she will become part of the country’s future leadership.”

Maria Teresa Morin, a close associate of Machado, praised Scott and Florida lawmakers for focusing on Venezuela’s transition: “I have told Maria Corina Machado, one of the things she has to do first when she becomes president, hopefully soon, is give a Venezuelan passport to all of you.”

Scott urged patience among Venezuelans and the South Florida diaspora. “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 to make that happen.”