Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returned to the country after 10 months abroad. The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who had been in exile since late 2025, posted on social media: 'I am here. With you.' Her return comes as tensions with the U.S. administration rise over her presence.
Machado, who was protected by a U.S. rescue team during her exile, is now in central-western Lara state. She appeared at a church in Santa Rosa, where she was photographed by press. Her return risks straining relations with the U.S., which has supported interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
Machado's return could impact ongoing efforts to restore democratic governance in Venezuela. She has called for a 'serious, democratic government' to ensure stability for investors. The U.S. has also charged former President Nicolás Maduro with narcoterrorism and conspiracy to commit torture.
Machado's return has sparked demands for more democratic freedoms in Venezuela. Her political movement is not part of the current talks between opposition factions and the interim government, which aim to reform the top court and electoral council.