María Corina Machado Advocates for Democratic Transition in Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is advocating for a transition to electoral democracy in Venezuela, emphasizing that the country's next leader should be determined through elections by the Venezuelan people. Machado's calls for democratic reforms come in the wake of Nicolás Maduro's ouster, as she seeks to establish a legitimate political framework amidst ongoing political turmoil.

Machado says Venezuela's next leader "should be decided in elections" by the peopleVenezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says she "will be president when the time comes"Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networks

Machado has been a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, having faced significant barriers, including a ban from running in the 2024 elections against Maduro. Despite these challenges, she has rallied support for former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, who was recognized by the U.S. and the international community as the legitimate winner of the elections, although Maduro's regime remained in power amid allegations of electoral fraud.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says she "will be president when the time comes"Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networksMachado says Venezuela's next leader "should be decided in elections" by the people

Machado, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her efforts in promoting democratic rights, has positioned herself as a leading voice against the current regime. She has criticized interim President Delcy Rodríguez, accusing her of maintaining a system of "narcoterrorism and repression" and has called for a transition that dismantles the criminal networks associated with Maduro's government.

Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networks

In a recent interview, Machado stated, "I will be president when the time comes... But it doesn't matter. That should be decided in elections by the Venezuelan people." She has expressed gratitude for the support from the U.S. government, particularly from President Donald Trump, stating, "For the first time, people feel they are not alone." Machado has also highlighted the need for a credible legal framework to attract investment and restore public services in Venezuela.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says she "will be president when the time comes"

While Machado advocates for a transition, she has rejected any arrangements that would allow criminal elements to remain in power, stating, "Venezuela does not need stability for criminals — it needs justice, truth and freedom." This stance reflects a broader skepticism within the opposition regarding the legitimacy of the current government and its ability to facilitate a fair electoral process.

Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networks

Machado's efforts are seen as part of a larger struggle against authoritarianism in the Americas. She believes that a successful transition in Venezuela could have positive repercussions for neighboring countries like Cuba and Nicaragua. Her vision includes redirecting oil revenues towards social investments to address the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Venezuelans.

Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networks

• “We are willing and working to facilitate a real transition” — María Corina Machado

Venezuela: Maria Corina Machado after Meeting with Rubio

• “And when that happens, freedom, security and stability will spread across the Americas — including to Cuba and Nicaragua.” — María Corina Machado

Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networks

• “Not a single ruling has ever favored a citizen against the regime,” — María Corina Machado

Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networks

Machado plans to return to Venezuela soon, contingent on security guarantees for herself and other political leaders. She continues to engage with international allies to strengthen support for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

Machado backs U.S. transition plan, rejects power-sharing with criminal networks