Carmen Maria Montiel, a former Miss Venezuela and current Congressional candidate, has expressed strong criticism of the Venezuelan government’s policies, attributing the country’s severe decline to “socialism and open borders.” In a recent interview, she outlined her perspective on the political and economic turmoil that has transformed Venezuela from one of the wealthiest nations in Latin America into a country fraught with crime and repression.
Montiel, who won the Miss Venezuela title in 1984 and finished as a runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant, recalled a time when her homeland was rich in resources and opportunities. “Venezuela used to have one of the most wonderful healthcare systems,” she stated. “It was paid for, it was our social security.” This system, once a source of national pride, has deteriorated significantly as a result of political mismanagement and corruption.
While Venezuela maintained a democratic facade for decades, two socialist parties have wielded power, leading to the deterioration of essential services. Montiel described the consequences of these policies: “We got the influx of illegal immigrants, crime went up, drugs started to be a problem.” She noted that the collapse of oil production, a critical revenue source, has exacerbated the situation, with crime rates surging as the government sought alternative means of funding.
Montiel’s Call for U.S. Intervention
Since moving to the United States for college in 1988, Montiel has closely monitored Venezuela’s political landscape, witnessing the rise of Hugo Chávez and the subsequent chaos that engulfed the nation. She sees a direct correlation between the government’s actions and the current state of affairs, characterized by corruption and ties to organized crime, including the notorious Cartel de los Soles, which is believed to be involved in drug trafficking.
U.S. officials have long accused members of Nicolás Maduro’s administration of engaging in narcotics trafficking, further complicating the political crisis. Recently, the U.S. Department of War conducted 14 strikes against vessels allegedly smuggling drugs toward American shores. Montiel supports these actions, stating, “Venezuela presents a very high risk to the United States,” highlighting the implications of the Venezuelan crisis on U.S. soil.
She believes that dismantling cartel networks and exposing the Venezuelan military’s complicity are essential to toppling Maduro’s regime. “This is a criminal communist regime,” she asserted, emphasizing the need to confront these issues head-on.
Public Sentiment and Future Prospects
As Montiel campaigns for the Texas Congressional seat left vacant by the late Sylvester Turner, she has garnered support among Venezuelans who yearn for change. While acknowledging that public opinion in the United States may be divided regarding military intervention, she insists that many Venezuelans would welcome U.S. support. “The people that are still in Venezuela are supporters of President Donald Trump because they’re screaming for freedom,” she said.
Despite her focus on regime change, Montiel recognizes the long road ahead for Venezuela’s recovery. “The country is pretty much destroyed,” she stated. “It’s worse than any third world country. It’s going to take probably 30 years to get Venezuela back to what it used to be.”
Montiel’s campaign for the special election on November 4, 2025, comes at a time when Venezuela’s plight continues to draw international attention. Her views on U.S. intervention reflect a broader concern among Venezuelans about the future of their country and the potential for change through political action.
