Caracas — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has publicly endorsed U.S. plans for holding free elections in Venezuela as early as 2027, calling the proposed transition to democracy “irreversible.” This marks her first major public appearance since returning unexpectedly to the country.
Speaking to supporters at Andrés Bello Catholic University, Machado referenced Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s outlined timeline for elections next year, emphasizing the urgency of moving forward. “I have returned … to mobilize society, to contribute, to organize,” Machado said, underscoring her commitment to completing what she described as a mandate for change.
Machado also criticized a U.S.-brokered Venezuelan oil deal involving businessman Alejandro Betancourt, alleging a lack of transparency. She pointed to investigations against Betancourt in several countries and held him partly responsible for Venezuela’s ongoing electricity crisis. Representatives for Betancourt’s firm, North American Blue Energy Partners (Nabep), denied any wrongdoing, stating the company has undergone audits and investigations without charges and focusing on increasing production, job creation, and strengthening bilateral ties.
Machado credited her ability to return and speak openly to the U.S. military operation that removed long-time President Nicolás Maduro from power in January. She described her arrival as once “unthinkable” and said it has energized her base amid a politically fractured landscape. Her return poses a significant test for both the Trump administration’s influence and the interim Venezuelan government.
The Maduro-aligned interim government, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, dismissed Machado’s reappearance as a political “show” and maintained there is no political persecution in Venezuela. Rodríguez reaffirmed that elections will be held under the current constitution, organized by a “renewed electoral authority” observed by international monitors. She highlighted government advances over the past year and pledged to protect the right to peaceful protest, ordering security forces to respect judicial procedures in detentions.
U.S.-backed negotiations between former opposition lawmakers and the Rodríguez government are underway to reform Venezuela’s electoral institutions. The initial step involves restructuring the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, formerly aligned with Maduro, before the end of the year, followed by overhauling the National Electoral Council. The interim government must declare a permanent vacancy in the presidency to set elections within six months, with the new electoral council deciding the exact date.
Machado called for these processes to occur simultaneously rather than sequentially, describing the interim government as “following instructions” and credited the United States for instigating “fundamental change.” She stressed the need to organize broadly, acknowledging Venezuela’s institutional collapse and security challenges.
Observers note Machado’s return could revive the popular momentum seen during the highly contested 2024 elections. However, experts like Rafael Uzcátegui of Laboratorio de Paz highlight the challenges ahead for Machado to convert public support into effective political influence, especially as the coalition from 2024 has weakened and U.S.-mediated talks proceed without her direct involvement.
Historian Margarita López Maya welcomed Machado’s reappearance but cautioned against political “messianism” in a country where decades of socialist rule and social fragmentation have heightened expectations around individual leaders. López emphasized that rebuilding Venezuela’s institutions will be essential for sustainable progress.
Machado arrived in Venezuela unannounced last Sunday, announcing her return via social media with the message: “I am here. With you.” As she traveled from a church in western Venezuela toward Caracas, thousands poured into the streets to welcome her. At a prison outside the capital, relatives of detainees called out for justice and freedom upon hearing news of her comeback, symbolizing the hopes pinned on her return amid Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis.