On January 4, 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Machado and discussed with her the prospects for a “peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Venezuela.” The Italian government website reports this. “During the telephone conversation, everyone agreed that Maduro's departure will open a new chapter of hope for the Venezuelan people, who will be able to once again enjoy the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law,” the statement said. Previously, a message from Meloni appeared on the Italian government website, in which she noted that the Italian government considered the US attack on Venezuela a “defensive action against hybrid security attacks”. Meloni also said Italy “has always supported the desire of the Venezuelan people for a democratic transition” and condemned Maduro's repression. Maria Machado, after removing Maduro, wrote in X newspaper that the Venezuelan opposition is ready to take power into its own hands, restore order and release political prisoners. On January 3, 2026, the US attacked a number of targets in Venezuela, and arrested President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and brought them back to the US. Now in America they intend to convict Maduro for crimes related to drug trafficking. Vice President of the Republic Delcy Rodriguez was appointed acting president of Venezuela, but the United States intends to govern Venezuela itself during the transition period. On January 3, US President Donald Trump said Rodriguez had agreed to cooperate with the Americans, and also doubted Machado's ability to become the new president.
