UPDATE: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has just announced her intention to return to Venezuela, igniting hopes for a democratic transition as tensions escalate under Nicolas Maduro‘s regime. In an exclusive interview with Fox News late Monday, Machado emphasized her readiness to lead her movement toward free elections, stating, “I’m planning to go back to Venezuela as soon as possible.”
Machado, who fled the country in disguise last October to accept the Nobel Peace Prize, has praised US President Donald Trump for his role in challenging Maduro’s authoritarian grip. She declared her belief that her coalition would secure over 90 percent of votes in a free and fair election, despite claims of electoral fraud in the 2024 election where she was banned from participating.
Amidst intensifying political turmoil, Machado criticized interim President Delcy Rodriguez, labeling her a “corrupt narco-trafficker” and warning that investors cannot trust her leadership. Machado’s comments come as reports emerge that the US administration is considering cooperation with Rodriguez, despite her ties to Maduro’s regime.
In a shocking twist, Nicolas Maduro appeared in a Manhattan court on March 17, facing multiple narcotics charges linked to a global drug trafficking network. Maduro, maintaining he is still the legitimate president of Venezuela, pleaded not guilty, asserting that the US allegations are an imperialist tactic to seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
While Machado’s supporters express disappointment over the lack of strong US backing, Trump has indicated that addressing Venezuela’s crises must take precedence before any elections can take place. “We have to fix the country first. There’s no way the people could even vote,” Trump stated during an NBC interview, emphasizing the challenges ahead.
As Machado prepares for her return, she remains hopeful, asserting that Trump’s actions on January 3 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the struggle against tyranny. “I would give him the Nobel Prize personally,” she said, reflecting her admiration for the US leader’s interventionist stance.
The urgency of Machado’s return cannot be understated, with Venezuela at a critical juncture. The country has seen over one in five citizens flee due to an economic collapse under Maduro and former leader Hugo Chavez. Machado’s planned homecoming is not just a political maneuver; it symbolizes the hope for millions of Venezuelans yearning for change.
As developments unfold, Machado’s movement prepares to mobilize support, calling for immediate action to address the political and humanitarian crises facing the nation. The world watches closely as the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Machado’s timeline for her return unfolds, and the international community reacts to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
