José Enrique Arrioja on Sky News Podcast about Cilia Flores

José Enrique Arrioja, managing editor of Americas Quarterly, spoke with journalist Niall Paterson in the Sky News Daily podcast regarding Venezuela's former first lady Cilia Flores, who was recently captured by the United States alongside Nicolás Maduro and taken to New York.

"Her role has been fascinating," said Arrioja, describing her as a "strategic architect" and a "perfect enabler" who helped Maduro "perpetuate himself in power," for over a decade. The managing editor traced Flores’ influence in Venezuela back to her time as a lawyer for Hugo Chávez in the 1990s, noting her rise to preside over the National Assembly and her tenure as Attorney General—roles that set the stage for her next chapter in Venezuelan politics as first lady. "Maduro was elected in 2013, and [Flores and Maduro] decided to formalize the relationship and get married. From that moment forward, she took on a very prominent public role," added Arrioja.

Arrioja also touched on the legacy of corruption and nepotism surrounding Flores, specifically referencing the "Narco Nephews" case and her role in the widespread system of political repression. He emphasized that her control over the judiciary and security forces was fundamental to the regime's survival. "She was hungry for power, willing to sacrifice any principle, any individual in order to achieve their ultimate goals," said the expert.

Regarding the operation and the future of Venezuela, Arrioja stated: "This extraordinary action is just simply the ultimate reflection of an extraordinary situation that Venezuela as a whole and Venezuela as a society couldn't handle and couldn't solve... We hope it will lead eventually to the redemocratization of the country."

Listen to the full episode.