Venezuela’s Machado lauds Trump for ‘freedom’, urges 2027 elections | Elections News
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Returns from Exile, Calls for Elections and Criticizes US Oil Deal
Caracas, Venezuela — Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has returned to Venezuela after more than ten months in exile, urging for elections to be held in the country next year. During a press conference on Thursday, Machado expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its role in a significant political development earlier this year, which resulted in the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro in January.
“The floodgate to freedom has been opened,” Machado stated, crediting former President Donald Trump, his administration, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their involvement in what she described as a pivotal moment for Venezuelan democracy. She emphasized the need for a democratic transition, highlighting the importance of presidential elections in 2027.
Machado, a renowned activist, fled to Oslo last December to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. She returned to Venezuela on Sunday amid a warm reception from supporters, who greeted her with enthusiasm as she traveled in a motorcade. Her escape from Maduro’s regime was facilitated by U.S. special forces veterans associated with Grey Bull Rescue, after she spent a year in hiding.
Since Maduro’s abduction, his former Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, has assumed leadership of the country. Rodriguez expressed her disapproval of the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Machado’s return, stating on state television, “The show could have been avoided – the airports are right here.”
In response to inquiries regarding a potential meeting with Rodriguez, Machado indicated that she had not received any communication from either Rodriguez or the U.S. government.
Rodriguez has assured the public that elections will be conducted in Venezuela “with the world as witness,” though she did not provide a specific timeline. Machado’s return comes in the wake of a controversial agreement that allows the U.S. to acquire 20 percent of Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves, a deal she criticized for lacking transparency and failing to meet the expectations of the Venezuelan people.
The situation remains fluid as Machado seeks to mobilize support for a transition to democracy in Venezuela.
