Leader María Corina Machado stated that she hopes to return “very soon” to Venezuela, where she remained in hiding for 16 months. In a political moment of high tension, he insists on having fulfilled part of the objectives set by the opposition in his country.
In an interview in France with the LCI media, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner maintained that her return is conditional on the completion of certain tasks.
“After 16 months living in hiding, I am happy to have achieved several objectives. They are already underway, and as soon as I finish them I will return to Venezuela,” she said.
Machado assured that he has citizen support for his return. “I know that the Venezuelan people will be waiting for me. They support me and my return home,” she said when asked about the political and social conditions surrounding her return.
Praise for Trump’s management
The leader referred to the role of US President Donald Trump in the situation in Venezuela. “I believe we would not be where we are today if it had not been for the decisions made by President Trump, in particular taking Maduro before international courts,” he said.
He added that Trump has been one of the few international figures with a direct impact on the pressure on the Venezuelan government: “It is fair to recognize that he is the only world leader who has done something to guarantee the freedom of Venezuela”.
When asked about personal risks, Machado acknowledged having been exposed to extreme situations. “I risked my life, there is no doubt,” he said, referring to his time in hiding and the conditions under which he had to mobilize.
Analysis of the crisis
Machado addressed the social panorama of Venezuela, to which he attributed a deep crisis of governance. He recalled that the country has the largest hydrocarbon reserves, despite which a large part of the population remains destitute. He assured that 86% of Venezuelans live below the poverty line, a situation that responds to institutional deterioration.
About Cuba he said: “The Cuban people deserve to live in freedom and dignity.”
Machado summarized the values that guide his actions: “Tenacity, courage, conviction and love.”
