Venezuela's leading opposition figure, Maria Corina Machado, has declared her intention to swiftly return to her homeland. She has also called for the immediate organisation of national elections following the recent ousting of President Nicolas Maduro.
Opposition Leader Praises Trump and Vows Return
In a recent interview, Maria Corina Machado, a 58-year-old lawyer and mother of three, stated her plans to go back to Venezuela as soon as possible. She had left the country in October to accept the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour she dedicated to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Machado heaped praise on President Trump for the military action that led to the capture of Maduro on January 3rd. She described that date as a historic day when justice triumphed over tyranny. "On behalf of the Venezuelan people, we are grateful for his courageous vision and the historic actions he has taken against this narco-terrorist regime," Machado said. She believes this marks a significant step toward a democratic transition for Venezuela.
Call for Free Elections and Critique of Interim Leadership
Machado asserted that her movement is prepared to contest and win a free and fair election. She claimed her coalition secured a landslide victory in the 2024 polls, which were conducted under fraudulent conditions. Machado confidently predicted that in a legitimate election, her movement would secure over 90% of the votes.
However, the path forward remains complex. While not disclosing her current location or specific return plans, Machado faces significant risks as she is still wanted by authorities in Venezuela, where Socialist Party loyalists retain control.
Furthermore, she expressed deep concern over the U.S. administration's current cooperation with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, a known Maduro ally. Machado vehemently criticised Rodriguez, labelling her a principal architect of torture, persecution, corruption, and narco-trafficking in Venezuela. "She is a key ally of Russia, China, and Iran, rejected by the Venezuelan people, and cannot be trusted by international investors," Machado warned.
Diverging Timelines for Venezuela's Future
A clear divergence in strategy appears to be emerging between Machado and the U.S. leadership. President Trump has emphasised that Venezuela's profound problems must be addressed before any new elections can be held. In a statement, he deemed a proposed 30-day election timeline as unrealistic, stating, "We have to fix the country first. There's no way the people could even vote."
Machado, who has been instrumental in revitalising Venezuela's often divided opposition, has not communicated directly with Trump since the Nobel Prize announcement on October 10. Her public appeal now focuses on pressing for a rapid electoral process to cement the political change, while the U.S. advocates for a more measured, stabilisation-first approach.
The situation presents a critical juncture for Venezuela. The world watches to see if the removal of Maduro will lead to the democratic transition and free elections that Machado and her supporters demand, or if the complex political and humanitarian crisis will require a longer, more intricate resolution.
