Venezuela's opposition leader María Corina Machado returned to the country after 10 months in exile. She was greeted by thousands of supporters as she made her way to Caracas. Machado, who was prevented from challenging President Nicolás Maduro in the 2024 election, has been out of the country for 10 months.
Machado, 59, returned to Venezuela after a year in hiding following the disputed 2024 election. She was greeted by hundreds of supporters in Barquisimeto, the capital of Lara state. Footage showed her surrounded by supporters holding mobile phones in the Sanctuary of the Divine Shepherdess church. She was met with loud cheers as she made her way to the capital.
Machado's return comes as doubts over Venezuela's democracy deepen. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has remained in office beyond her 90-day term and has not called for an election. Machado's return is seen as a significant step in the country's political landscape.
The Trump administration had reportedly opposed Machado's return, believing her presence would complicate the relationship with interim president Delcy Rodriguez. Machado has repeatedly praised Trump for launching the operation to remove Maduro, and gave him her 2025 Nobel peace prize medal.