Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, dismissed the return of opposition leader María Corina Machado to the country as a "spectacle" in comments broadcast by state-run Venezuelan Television (VTV) and shared by journalist Orlando Avendaño in a video on X.
Rodríguez chose not to comment on how Machado re-entered Venezuela, deeming the details irrelevant: "Look, look, it doesn't matter," she remarked, adding that there are "temporary structures" at airports for those adhering to the amnesty law.
Rather than acknowledging the political significance of Machado's return, Rodríguez emphasized that politics should not be treated as entertainment: "I genuinely believe that politics should stop being a show because it is something very serious," she asserted, further stating that "the spectacle could have been avoided" since "airports are there."
Rodríguez also called for Machado to express remorse for advocating international sanctions and supporting external intervention that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture: "I hope there is regret, remorse, and a change, and that she can contribute something to the country," she expressed.
The acting president additionally denied any political repression in the country: "There is no political persecution in Venezuela. It is the new Venezuela I aspire to, and it is the new Venezuela I am working towards," she declared. This message starkly contrasts with the years of arbitrary detentions, political disqualifications, and forced exile that have marked the Chavismo era.
Machado returned to Venezuela on Sunday after nearly ten months abroad, as part of an international diplomatic operation that faced no opposition from the White House. Her first public appearance was at the Santa Rosa church in Barquisimeto, Lara state. From there, she traveled roughly 250 miles to Caracas, where she was greeted by thousands of supporters waving flags, shining phone lights, and chanting "Freedom!"
The return followed at least seven failed attempts, including the so-called "Operation Ithaca" in September, when the Chavista regime denied her entry three times in under 24 hours.
Alongside Machado's return, Rodríguez defended the ongoing dialogue process between the interim government and the National Assembly elected in 2015, represented by Dinorah Figuera. She described these discussions as "something very serious" requiring "a lot of experience away from inexperienced spaces" and noted that the process aims for political and judicial reforms and the recovery of Venezuelan assets abroad.
Although Machado is not formally participating in the negotiation table, her party, Vente Venezuela, confirmed on Monday that the opposition leader is willing to meet with Rodríguez. "She has expressed her willingness to sit not only with Delcy but with anyone necessary to face the country with total clarity, with an agenda for those things to happen," said spokesperson Claudia Macero on Unión Radio.
As of the article's closing, no formal meeting or bilateral agenda had been established between the two leaders.
Key Questions About María Corina Machado's Return to Venezuela
Why did Delcy Rodríguez describe Machado's return as a "spectacle"?
Delcy Rodríguez referred to the return as a "spectacle" because she believes politics should not be treated as entertainment, emphasizing the seriousness of political matters.
What was María Corina Machado's first public appearance upon returning to Venezuela?
Her first public appearance was at the Santa Rosa church in Barquisimeto, Lara state, before traveling to Caracas to meet supporters.
Is María Corina Machado part of the ongoing dialogue process with the interim government?
Although Machado is not formally part of the negotiation table, her party has confirmed her willingness to engage in discussions with Delcy Rodríguez and others.