The Freedom Manifesto

The Freedom Manifesto by opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado expands upon her vision of a “new era” for a Venezuela without its dictator, Nicolás Maduro. This manifesto presents the basic values and principles on which not only her government program is based, but also her vision of the state and the new national project she envisions for Venezuela. The natural dignity of every human being and their right to be free are essential principles of this project, as is the courage needed to defend them. The need to rebuild the economy with the free labor of citizens and the private sector is a priority. Likewise, the right to security, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, education that begins at home, and civic and transparent voting are pillars of the liberal democracy that Machado wishes to establish in Venezuela. The return of emigrants, as well as the protection of territory and the return of Venezuela among the democratic nations of the world, are fundamental objectives of this new stage, as is the need for justice to be done for the crimes against humanity committed by the previous regime. This book brings together the testimonies of dozens of Venezuelans who know the horrors of the previous regime well because they have stood up to it in various ways. Each of these stories reflects and exemplifies many others like them—stories of pain and abuse, but also of light, strength, courage, and hope.