Maduro Stole the Election in Venezuela, Says Author

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 03, 2026 at 15:13  |  7:00  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Mariana Atencio — Venezuelan author and American journalist

Summary

Mariana Atencio reacts to US airstrikes on Venezuela, saying Nicolás Maduro stole last year's election and is essentially a dictator. She rejects the 'blood for oil' framing and describes a humanitarian and regional destabilization crisis. She warns that the remaining powerbrokers in Venezuela could produce a reshuffling rather than genuine regime change, and says Cuba's regime depends on Venezuelan oil. No specific investment ideas are presented.

  • Mariana Atencio discusses US airstrikes on Venezuela on Balance of Power.
  • She says Maduro stole the election and is essentially a dictator.
  • She rejects the idea that US action is about oil or simply regime change.
  • She cites 8 million Venezuelans leaving and a broader hemispheric refugee crisis.
  • She says the democratic opposition lacks money, military support, and oil-reserve access.
  • She warns that Cuban interests depend on Venezuelan oil and could be affected if Venezuela falls.
  • She says any transition that leaves key powerbrokers in place would be a reshuffling, not real removal.
  • No named securities or direct market trades are recommended.
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