On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio attributed María Corina Machado's return to Venezuela to the U.S.-backed political reconciliation talks. This statement came via a post on X, shortly after the opposition leader stepped onto Venezuelan soil for the first time in nearly ten months.
"The conditions that ensured Mrs. Machado's safe return to Venezuela are a direct outcome of the U.S.-supported reconciliation talks, which have already led to the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the return of numerous opposition figures from exile," Rubio stated.
Rubio urged all Venezuelan political actors to support the negotiation process, describing it as "the best chance Venezuela has had in thirty years to peacefully achieve not only free and fair elections but also a lasting democracy."
Machado arrived in Venezuela on Sunday, confirming her return with a concise message on X: "I am here. With you." Her first public appearance was at the Shrine of the Divina Pastora in Barquisimeto, Lara state, where she was welcomed with hugs and chants of support.
This return marks the end of several unsuccessful attempts: between June and September 2026, Machado tried at least seven times to return but was hindered by flight restrictions and lack of landing authorizations. The most notable incident was the so-called "Operation Ithaca" on September 22, when she attempted to return three times within 24 hours from Panama City, via maritime routes to various Caribbean islands.
A report by ABC indicated that her return was facilitated by an international diplomatic operation that faced no opposition from the White House.
The dialogue that Rubio credits involves the Venezuelan government, currently led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez—following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026—and the opposition represented by the National Assembly elected in 2015, headed by Dinorah Figuera. The third round of talks concluded on October 21 with agreements on reviewing laws regarding political disqualifications, appointing 32 new Supreme Court justices, and managing Venezuelan assets in the Bank of England. The State Department reported that the process has resulted in the release of over 1,000 political prisoners since the start of Operation Absolute Resolve.
However, the process is not without its critics. On October 16, Machado claimed Washington had excluded her from the negotiations, an accusation that the State Department denied. Former Ambassador Michael McFaul cautioned Rubio that supporting "autocrats and oligarchs" in Venezuela undermines U.S. credibility in promoting democracy in Cuba.
From Madrid, exiled President Edmundo González Urrutia expressed joy over Machado's return: "It fills me with emotion to announce that our leader, my dear María Corina, is on Venezuelan soil. Today is a very important day for Venezuelans." González Urrutia also announced that he would be returning "very soon."
Former President Trump reacted cautiously when asked by reporters: "She's a very nice woman. She gave me her Nobel Prize, so how can I say otherwise? I hope she stays safe." A fourth round of negotiations is scheduled for November 2026.
Key Questions about María Corina Machado's Return
What facilitated María Corina Machado's return to Venezuela?
Her return was made possible by U.S.-backed political reconciliation talks, which have created the conditions for her safe return and the release of political prisoners.
Who are the main parties involved in the Venezuelan reconciliation dialogue?
The dialogue involves the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez and the opposition represented by the National Assembly elected in 2015, led by Dinorah Figuera.
Why did former Ambassador Michael McFaul criticize Marco Rubio?
McFaul warned that Rubio's support for certain Venezuelan figures could undermine U.S. efforts to promote democracy in Cuba.