Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado took to the streets across multiple cities on Monday, calling for her safe return to Venezuela and the holding of new presidential elections to facilitate a democratic transition. Demonstrations were held in the capital, Caracas, as well as in Valencia, Maracaibo, and Merida.
In Caracas, hundreds of activists wearing sky blue shirts, the color of Machado’s Vente Venezuela party, participated in motorcycle and vehicle processions along key avenues, waving Venezuelan flags and sounding horns. At the rally, Vente Venezuela activist Flavio Valentini described the movement as driven by the people beyond partisan lines.
Machado, who has been living in exile for nine months, has faced repeated obstacles in her attempts to return to Venezuela. According to her party, she has made at least seven unsuccessful efforts this year, including three attempts since last Monday alone. Opposition members accuse the Venezuelan government of deliberately obstructing her return, a charge denied by authorities.
Anthony Romero, a leader within Vente Venezuela in Caracas, expressed hopes that a transition process would lead to credible presidential elections and the establishment of a democratic government aligned with the United States. Machado remains a prominent figure in the opposition but was legally barred from running in the last presidential election by courts controlled by the administration of Nicolás Maduro.
Despite opposition claims that Machado’s proxy candidate won nearly two-thirds of the vote, Maduro’s government declared victory and responded to protests with a harsh crackdown that forced Machado and other opposition leaders into hiding. The political climate has been marked by accusations of electoral fraud, repression of dissent, and limits on free speech.
Some critics have suggested possible involvement by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration in efforts to prevent Machado’s return, a claim denied by U.S. officials. While U.S. authorities have stated they did not detain her, they have reportedly advised her against returning at times due to security concerns. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed Machado’s right to re-enter Venezuela at her discretion.
The unfolding events highlight ongoing tensions in Venezuela as opposition forces continue to push for political change amid a government unwilling to yield power.