After nearly ten months away, María Corina Machado has finally returned to Venezuela, marking the end of a prolonged series of unsuccessful attempts to come back. The opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate confirmed her arrival with a brief yet powerful statement on social media: "I'm here with you."
An investigation by ABC revealed that her return was facilitated through a diplomatic effort involving several countries, a process that the White House did not oppose. This lack of opposition was considered crucial by media outlets following the case, as it allowed her return to be realized. RTVE reported Machado's presence in Caracas, with ABC noting her planned public appearance at the Divina Pastora sanctuary in Barquisimeto, Lara state, a significant site of popular devotion in the country.
Machado clandestinely left Venezuela in December 2025, traveling by sea to Curaçao before heading to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Since then, she had made at least seven unsuccessful attempts to return via various routes.
One of the most notable episodes during this period was the so-called "Operation Ithaca" in September 2026, during which Venezuela denied her entry three times in less than 24 hours from Panama City, using both sea and air routes.
Machado's relationship with the Trump Administration was strained for months. In July 2026, the State Department indicated that her immediate return was not considered advisable. By October, The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington had informed Dutch authorities it did not support her return, leading to the withdrawal of her landing permit in Curaçao.
A turning point came in early October when Trump expressed optimism about Machado's return, stating publicly that "everything is going to be fine" when asked about her situation. Marco Rubio also denied that Washington was hindering her return.
Her return coincides with a politically charged atmosphere. Since the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, Washington has been negotiating with the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez over the reorganization of institutions, the renewal of the Supreme Court and the National Electoral Council, and conditions for future presidential elections.
Machado had publicly criticized Washington for excluding her from these negotiations, which were progressing without her direct involvement. On October 22, thousands of Venezuelans marched in Caracas and other states, demanding elections and her return.
From exile in Spain, Edmundo González celebrated her return with an emotional message: "I am thrilled to announce that our leader, my dear María Corina, is on Venezuelan soil. Today is a very important day for Venezuelans. Our sovereign voice returns with her to lead and guide this process."
González also announced his intention to follow her lead: "I will soon be with you and with her, so our country can truly move towards freedom. You know it, this is until the end."
Key Aspects of María Corina Machado's Return to Venezuela
What facilitated María Corina Machado's return to Venezuela?
Her return was facilitated by a diplomatic operation involving several countries, which did not face opposition from the White House.
Why was María Corina Machado's relationship with the Trump Administration strained?
The tension arose because the State Department did not consider her immediate return advisable, and Washington communicated to Dutch authorities that it did not support her return at that time.
What significant event occurred during María Corina Machado's attempts to return?
During "Operation Ithaca" in September 2026, Venezuela denied her entry three times in less than 24 hours from Panama City.
What political context surrounds Machado's return?
Her return comes amid negotiations between Washington and Venezuela's interim government following Nicolás Maduro's capture, focusing on institutional reorganization and future elections.