On Sunday, María Corina Machado made her first public appearance since returning to Venezuela after spending nearly ten months abroad. She was seen at the Divine Shepherdess Sanctuary in Barquisimeto, Lara state, surrounded by her supporters.
The ConVzla Command shared images and videos of the gathering on X, depicting Machado amongst an enthusiastic crowd holding rosaries and crucifixes, demonstrating a palpable sense of religious fervor and emotion.
One tearful woman captured the mood of many present by declaring, "The Virgin has performed a miracle for us."
Machado had announced her return with a brief message on X, stating, "I'm here. With you all."
Her comeback followed at least seven unsuccessful attempts between June and September of 2026, thwarted by flight restrictions, lack of landing permissions, and warnings reportedly from Venezuelan authorities.
Among the notable incidents during those months, a private jet from Virginia was forced to return to the United States, and a commercial airline barred her from boarding after facing government warnings.
On September 22, she made three attempts in one day to return from Panama City—by sea and to various Caribbean islands—none of which succeeded.
Her return was ultimately made possible through an international diplomatic effort involving several countries and approval from Washington, as reported by international media.
Edmundo González Urrutia expressed his joy over the news: "I am thrilled to announce that our leader, my dear María Corina, is now on Venezuelan soil," he wrote, adding that with her return, the opposition regains its "sovereign voice."
Urrutia also hinted at his own impending return to the country: "I will soon be with you and her."
Machado's return comes during a period of significant change in Venezuela, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026. The current government is led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Machado clandestinely left Venezuela on the night of December 8, 2025, in disguise and without a passport, to travel to Oslo. There, her daughter Ana Corina Sosa accepted the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf, awarded for Machado's efforts in defending democratic rights and promoting a peaceful transition in Venezuela.
Since then, she has been abroad—mostly in the United States and Panama—demanding a date for presidential elections and alleging exclusion from negotiations between the Venezuelan government and opposition factions, brokered by Washington.
The ConVzla Command encapsulated the significance of her return with a phrase that resonated among her followers: "Venezuela has changed and is preparing for the definitive transition to democracy and freedom."
Frequently Asked Questions About María Corina Machado's Return
Why did María Corina Machado leave Venezuela initially?
María Corina Machado left Venezuela clandestinely in December 2025 to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, where her daughter accepted the award on her behalf for her work in defending democratic rights.
What challenges did Machado face upon trying to return to Venezuela?
Machado faced numerous obstacles, including flight restrictions, lack of landing permissions, and government warnings, which led to at least seven failed attempts to return between June and September 2026.
How was María Corina Machado's return to Venezuela eventually facilitated?
Her return was facilitated through an international diplomatic operation that involved multiple countries and received approval from Washington.