Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado has declared her intention to return to her homeland within weeks, ending a prolonged period of exile that included her travel to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement comes during a critical political transition in the South American nation, which has seen significant governmental changes following the ousting of former leader Nicolas Maduro.
The 58-year-old politician made her declaration through a video message distributed across her social media platforms, stating: “I will return in a few weeks to Venezuela. We will arrive to embrace one another, to work together, to ensure an orderly, sustainable and unstoppable transition to democracy.”
Machado’s return will occur under the administration of Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed leadership after U.S. forces removed Maduro from power two months ago. The Venezuelan government had previously designated Machado as a fugitive from justice, alleging she advocated for military intervention against the nation.
During her exile, the opposition leader maintained a significant presence in the United States, where she engaged with high-level officials including President Donald Trump at the White House. Their January meeting occurred shortly after Maduro’s extraction to New York for judicial proceedings. Machado has also conducted discussions with U.S. legislators, business executives, and numerous foreign dignitaries.
Despite Trump’s expressed interest in involving Machado in Venezuela’s political restructuring, his administration has simultaneously supported Rodriguez’s interim governance. Machado faced electoral barriers when prohibited from participating in the 2024 presidential race, followed by extended concealment due to post-election repression after Maduro’s disputed reelection claim.