The scene at a Washington event featuring Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaidó unfolded with interruptions from a group of activists, as reported by the Spanish news agency Efe. Several attendees rose from their seats in different corners of the Woodrow Wilson Center chamber, directing sharp accusations at Guaidó and labeling him with terms such as liar and criminal. The disruption lasted only moments before security personnel stepped in and escorted the protestors from the room.
In a notable development, Guaidó had recently arrived in Colombia from Venezuela, crossing the border in a move that drew attention to border controls in the region. The purpose of his trip appeared to be attendance at an international gathering focused on Venezuela, an invitation he did not receive. Colombian authorities subsequently deported him to the United States. The episode underscores the sensitive political currents surrounding the opposition leader and his international outreach.
Guaidó stated publicly that he would not seek political asylum in the United States. He also signaled plans to participate in upcoming intra-party elections, aiming to secure a position on the slate that would support his bid in the 2024 Venezuelan presidential race. While in Washington, a program of meetings with American lawmakers was anticipated, reflecting an effort to engage with U.S. policymakers and to discuss the situation in Venezuela from his party’s perspective.
In discussions that echoed broader geopolitical tensions, a former Russian official, Alexey Pushkov, highlighted Guaidó as a symbol in the ongoing tug-of-war between Western blocs and Latin American politics. The comments were cast in the public sphere as part of broader commentary on regional leadership and external influence, illustrating how figures like Guaidó can become focal points in debates over democracy, sovereignty, and international alignment. The exchange added another layer to the narrative of a Western-aligned opposition figure whose activities continue to shape regional discourse.