Thousands Greet Opposition Leader Maria Machado Upon Return to Caracas
Thousands of supporters lined the streets of Caracas to welcome opposition leader Maria Corina Machado back to Venezuela after more than 10 months in exile. Machado, a Nobel laureate, announced her arrival on social media, writing, "I am here. With you."
Machado's return comes as Venezuela's opposition continues to demand free elections. The opposition leader, Edmundo Gonzalez, confirmed the news, stating that Machado was on Venezuelan soil. Footage shared by the Comando Con Venezuela political organisation showed Machado arriving at a church in Lara, where she was greeted by supporters.
Machado's return is seen as a significant development in the country's ongoing political situation. Her exile began after she was briefly arrested in January 2025. She later re-emerged in Norway, where she won the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to challenge Venezuelan President's attempts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attributed Machado's safe return to the US-supported reconciliation talks, which have led to the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the return of hundreds of opposition figures from exile.
