María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has announced her imminent return to Venezuela. In an exclusive interview with The Wall Street Journal, she stressed that she can no longer lead the democratic transition from abroad.
"It's time to go back. I can't lead a process from the outside while our people are suffering," she declared.
Machado has been away from her homeland for over eight months, having settled in Panama City after clandestinely leaving Venezuela in December 2025. Her escape involved a boat trip to Curaçao followed by a private flight to Oslo to receive her Nobel Peace Prize. Despite several attempts, she has yet to successfully return.
Political Tensions Amid Plans to Return
The announcement comes at a politically charged time. Following Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026, the Trump administration chose to keep Delcy Rodríguez as the acting president of Venezuela. In late August, the U.S. signed a significant oil agreement with Rodríguez, granting the American company NABEP rights to 17 oil fields with approximately 65 billion barrels of reserves.
President Trump praised Rodríguez: "We're getting along very well with the government. Delcy, as you know, is doing a very, very good job, highly respected." Machado responded cautiously but clearly: "Some say it was the biggest deal ever made. Let's see what happens."
Regarding the interim government, Machado was unequivocal: "Delcy Rodríguez represents chaos. That's what they stand for. They have brought poverty, terror, and forced a third of the Venezuelan population to flee."
Public Discontent Over Oil Deal
The oil deal has sparked significant discontent among Venezuelans. A survey by AtlasIntel published by Bloomberg Línea in early September showed that 47% of respondents believe the interim government lacked legitimacy to negotiate long-term contracts on natural resources. Furthermore, 38% oppose the deal, while only 35% support it.
Some in the White House fear Machado's return might destabilize the agreement and ongoing negotiations. In July, Washington reportedly blocked her return following the devastating June 24 earthquakes that killed over 3,800 people. In September, U.S. officials requested that she visit Washington before heading back to Venezuela, a request she has publicly ignored.
Machado's Determination to Contribute
Machado rejects claims that her presence would be destabilizing. "My return is not a challenge; it's a contribution to the process. No one is more invested in the success and steady progress of this process than us," she stated.
Discussing her connections with the U.S. administration, she added: "I have good relations. We've been in contact. I never discuss private conversations in detail, but they certainly understand why I believe I am very, very beneficial to this process."
The opposition leader expressed confidence in Secretary of State Marco Rubio's three-phase plan—stabilization, economic recovery, and democratic transition—but emphasized the need for timely execution. "People are not demanding results, and the way to manage these tensions is to set a date when people know political change will come," she asserted.
Once back in Venezuela, Machado plans to travel the country extensively, engaging with local communities and organizing "thousands, tens of thousands of public debates and assemblies" to drive the transition forward. She noted that over 85% of the population lives in poverty, with the crisis worsening after the June earthquake.
Her family, including her children whom she hadn't seen in two years while hiding in Venezuela, supports her decision. "I think this is the first time my whole family understands and fully supports this decision. Do you know why? Because I want to return too. Like all of us, all my children, we need to go back," she concluded.
Key Questions About María Corina Machado's Return to Venezuela
Why is María Corina Machado returning to Venezuela now?
María Corina Machado believes she cannot effectively lead the democratic transition from abroad while Venezuelans suffer. Her return is intended to contribute directly to the process and connect with the people.
What challenges might Machado face upon her return?
Machado may face political and logistical challenges, including tensions with the interim government and concerns about destabilizing existing agreements, especially the oil deal with NABEP.
How does the Venezuelan public view the interim government's oil deal?
There is significant public discontent, with 47% of those surveyed believing the interim government lacked legitimacy to negotiate such contracts, and 38% opposing the deal.
What are Machado's plans once she is back in Venezuela?
Machado intends to engage directly with local communities across Venezuela, organizing numerous public debates and assemblies to drive democratic transition efforts.