Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado has officially returned to her home country following nearly a year of exile. Her team confirmed the arrival on Sunday, a development that supporters and political allies are framing as a significant step toward a democratic transition.
Machado announced her presence on social media platform X, writing in Spanish, "I am here. With you." She later shared a video from Caracas showing enthusiastic supporters greeting her, accompanied by the message, "Finally, Caracas, I'm here!!"
David Smoalnsky, a senior adviser to Machado, stated that her return is a "major step toward a democratic transition and free, fair, and verifiable presidential elections in the near future." He added that Machado intends to stand with the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of freedom, democracy, and justice. Smoalnsky also expressed gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. government, and other international partners for their leadership and ongoing support.
The circumstances surrounding her return follow a period of intense political tension. Machado had previously escaped the country in December with the help of a private U.S. rescue team to accept the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. That journey marked her first public appearance in 11 months. At the time of her departure, she had been barred by the government of then-President Nicolás Maduro from leaving the country and was officially considered a fugitive, with the government accusing her of calling for military intervention.
The political landscape has shifted significantly since the U.S. military deposed Maduro. Currently, the country is led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime ally of the former leader who received the Trump administration's blessing to take office. However, no presidential election date has been set, and Rodríguez has already exceeded her authorized tenure as acting president.
Edmundo Gonzalez, a former presidential candidate aligned with Machado's movement who has been residing in Spain, confirmed her return on social media. He expressed his support, stating, "Today is a very important day for Venezuelans. Our sovereign voice returns with her to lead and guide this process!" He further noted that he plans to be by her side "very soon."
Following reports of her arrival, Machado was spotted at a church in the state of Lara, west of Caracas. Footage captured supporters hugging her and shaking her hand, with some onlookers visibly emotional. One woman described the event as "a miracle," while others shouted messages of welcome and support for freedom.
When asked by reporters about the development, President Trump stated he was not fully aware of the details but expressed a positive sentiment toward her, noting that she had given him her Nobel Prize. He added, "I hope she's safe. She's a very nice woman. But we're doing really well in Venezuela."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the conditions allowing for her return as the "direct result of the U.S. support reconciliation talks." He emphasized that the United States expects the freedoms of all Venezuelan political sectors to be respected and encouraged all actors to support ongoing talks as the best chance in 30 years to achieve a peaceful, enduring democracy.
Machado had made multiple previous attempts to return, including after the June 24 double earthquakes, and reported being denied entry into the country three times within a 24-hour period in September.
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