Exiled Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez says democracy is ‘very fragile’

Margaret Hoover sits down with exiled Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez to discuss his efforts to advance democracy in his home country and around the world. Lopez, who spent nearly four years in solitary confinement under Nicolas Maduro’s regime before fleeing the country in 2020, reflects on how life has changed in Venezuela under a repressive government that operates what he calls a “criminal economy” and the challenges the opposition movement faces. He assesses the “fragile” state of democracy in the world today and explains the mission of the World Liberty Congress, which he co-founded to unite pro-democracy activists against a growing coalition of autocratic governments that includes Venezuela, Russia, and China. Lopez also addresses the global ramifications of the war in Ukraine, China’s influence in South America, and the indictment of Sen. Robert Menendez, one of Maduro’s most vocal critics on Capitol Hill. Speaking to Hoover in late September–before the government suspended the primary process and issued arrest warrants for Lopez and other opposition figures–Lopez expresses hope for Venezuela’s 2024 elections despite doubts that Maduro will allow a free and fair vote. He comments on shifts in U.S. policy under the Biden administration and what he believes the U.S. and its allies can do to help the Venezuelan people. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.