Henrique Salas Römer, a former Venezuelan politician and economist, discussed with CiberCuba the potential return of María Corina Machado to Venezuela amidst the crisis triggered by the June 24th earthquakes. This situation has reignited discussions about the opposition leader's role and the conditions necessary for her potential homecoming.
Salas Römer's argument hinges on a critical premise: "Unfortunately, Edmundo González Urrutia wasn't sworn in, so María Corina would be the acting president right now," he explained. Without this inauguration, Machado lacks an official position, institutional authority, and military support.
"Although I understand her urgency to be present, from a legal standpoint, as an influential and respected figure globally, she cannot take any action," the analyst stated. He further questioned, "What can she do in Venezuela right now? She has no authority, no army, no power. She might unnecessarily risk her life."
Challenges Facing Machado's Return
The debate over Machado's return intensified following the catastrophic June 24, 2026, earthquakes, which resulted in between 920 and 1,450 casualties and caused damages estimated at $6.7 billion. From her exile in the United States, Machado declared she would return "very soon" to stand with her people, stating, "The time has come; it is my duty to be with my people."
However, her planned flight from Virginia to Curaçao, intending to enter Venezuela, was halted by the Trump administration, which warned her that any return would be at her own risk and without U.S. support. White House officials deemed her attempt "counterproductive" and "untimely," as reported by Bloomberg. Copa Airlines also refused to transport her, fearing retaliation from the Venezuelan regime, while Delcy Rodríguez's government closed the airspace to prevent her entry.
Personal Ties and Political Realities
Salas Römer, who shares personal connections with Machado—"we even have family ties through my children's marriage"—praises her extensively. He highlights "her seriousness, integrity, reasoning ability, executive capacity, and maternal spirit" as virtues surpassing even the Nobel Peace Prize she received in 2025: "Much more than the Nobel Prize and all that, which is just recognition but irrelevant here."
Nevertheless, his admiration doesn't alter his assessment: "What will she accomplish amid this crisis? It doesn't add up."
The analyst also dismisses the notion that Venezuelan society has accepted Rodríguez's interim government. "I don't believe so. I think they're rethinking. They're rethinking the situation," he remarked, using his "broken guitar" metaphor to describe a regime that cannot function, no matter how much it's tuned.
This Friday marks the end of the 180-day constitutional period that could enable a declaration of absolute presidential absence and the call for new elections in Venezuela, adding a crucial legal dimension to the situation and increasing pressure on all political players in the country.
"Managing this is extremely difficult for any government; for a delegitimized one, it must be overwhelming and could generate much more discontent than there is now," Salas Römer concluded.
Key Questions About María Corina Machado's Situation
Why can't María Corina Machado return to Venezuela?
María Corina Machado faces multiple barriers, including lack of official authority, military support, and potential safety risks. Additionally, international and local political dynamics make her return complicated.
What impact would her return have on Venezuela's political landscape?
While her return could galvanize her supporters, it also risks escalating tensions with the current regime and could lead to further instability unless carefully managed.