María Corina Machado, a leader of the anti-socialist movement and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, voiced her strong belief on Thursday that once Venezuela transitions back to democracy after nearly thirty years of socialism, it will establish itself as America’s top ally in the region.
She stated that Venezuela’s move towards democracy is “irreversible” but should be done in a methodical and peaceful manner, underlining that for Venezuelans to see improvements in their lives, the remnants of socialism and corruption need to be eradicated.
Machado, who heads the center-right Vente Venezuela party, made her return to Venezuela on October 25 after nearly a year in exile. She was welcomed by large crowds as she traveled through several states before reaching the capital, Caracas. That afternoon, she held a press conference at the Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB) in Caracas, where she studied in her youth, addressing both local and international media.
During her press conference, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their roles in the capture of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Machado emphasized that this event has opened a “door of freedom” in Venezuela, paving the way for the nation to become “the greatest ally the United States will ever have in our region.”
She also thanked those who supported her return to Venezuela, the Venezuelans who trusted her, and the democratic governments and organizations globally that have backed her cause. She specifically acknowledged Panama’s conservative President José Raúl Mulino and his administration for safeguarding evidence that unveiled Maduro’s fraudulent election in 2024. As a devout Catholic, Machado highlighted the spiritual, existential, and ethical dimensions of Venezuela’s struggle, expressing gratitude for being born in the country.
“My presence here and what we’ve experienced over these last few days illustrates that the three-phase plan laid out by President Trump is progressing, and after just a few hours, the timelines have become clearer,” Machado pointed out.
“Marco Rubio has detailed a series of steps aimed at moving towards a democratic transition, including plans for presidential elections to be held in 2027,” she added, referencing a senior State Department official’s recent statements about the steps and conversations leading towards an imminent election.
In the coming days, Machado indicated that she and her team will share more about their initiatives aimed at establishing a “network” that ensures a smooth shift to democracy in Venezuela. One of the primary objectives is to enable all eligible Venezuelans to participate in the next presidential election.
“We are gathered here because Venezuela is standing up with dignity, and as I often say, this is a spiritual endeavor, and we will walk side by side with God until the very end,” Machado said.
When asked about her relationships with regional leaders, Machado mentioned her good rapport with presidents across the region, including Colombia’s Abelardo de la Espriella, Argentina’s Javier Milei, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, Bolivia’s Rodrígo Paz, and Paraguay’s Santiago Peña, stating that she frequently communicates with them. However, regarding Brazil’s recently reelected socialist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, she admitted to never having spoken with him.
“That’s simply the truth; and I don’t think that comes from any lack of interest on my part,” she emphasized.
Machado then reassured reporters that any entity that has legally engaged with Venezuela in recent months can trust that their agreements will be honored, although they can expect more favorable terms from her future administration.
When questioned about the Venezuelan constitution established by the ruling socialists in 1999, she expressed concern over the “excessive presidentialism and militarism” present in the current framework. She advocated for reinstating presidential term limits as one of the necessary changes.
She also highlighted to reporters that dismantling the repressive structures in Venezuela and releasing all political prisoners remain top priorities for her. Machado reiterated that she wouldn’t have been able to hold her press conference if it weren’t for the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, stating that many political prisoners would still be held had that not happened.
“Do you honestly believe I could be here right now? That people would even mention my name in their news?” she queried.
Towards the close of her conference, Machado asserted that a liberated Venezuela would serve as a cornerstone of stability in the region and would foster a lasting alliance with the United States, which in turn would find a committed partner in Venezuela that values freedom and democracy alongside the security of its investments.
“Venezuela will be free forever. We will stand united with God until the end,” Machado declared. “I deeply appreciate all of you. May God bless us. Thank you very much.”
International media outlets noted that Machado’s press conference was broadcast freely by local private media in Venezuela, representing a significant shift after the socialist regime previously restricted broadcasters from featuring her under severe threats.
