Machado Declares Presidential Ambitions as US Re-Engages with Venezuela
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A pivotal moment is unfolding in Venezuela, as opposition leader Maria Corina Machado affirmed her intention to seek the presidency, contingent upon the establishment of fair electoral conditions. This declaration arrives alongside a significant thaw in US-Venezuelan relations, marked by the reopening of the American diplomatic mission in Caracas.
A Future Presidency Hinges on Democratic Conditions
“I will be president when the time comes. But that doesn’t matter. That must be decided in elections by the Venezuelan peopel,” Machado stated in a recent interview with CBS News. The opposition leader, recognized as the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, emphasized that her personal ambition is secondary to a legitimate democratic process.
Machado remains in exile, having not yet returned to Venezuela following a reported US military operation that led to the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power. She attributes her exclusion from the 2024 election to Maduro’s fear of direct confrontation, suggesting he perceived her as a greater threat than her opponent, Edmundo González Urrutia. “I was not allowed to run in the last election, as we already mentioned, becuase Maduro was afraid to confront me, and he thoght that Edmundo did not represent a threat, because no one knew who he was,” she explained.
Assessing Personal Risk and US Influence
Despite her exile, Machado expressed a growing belief that her safety would not be compromised upon her return to Venezuela, citing increased “pressure” from the United States on the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. “Things are changing vrey quickly in Venezuela. If they had caught me before I left, I would probably have been disappeared or worse,” she recounted, adding, “At this moment, I don’t think they dare kill me because of the presence, pressure and actions of the United States.”
However, Machado acknowledged uncertainty regarding her freedom of movement within the contry. She believes that Chavismo would be hesitant to target her, recognizing her strong ties to the government of Donald Trump. “The regime knows the connection that she maintains with the Government of Donald Trump,” she stated.
Trump Signals Potential Mediation
Former President Trump weighed in on the situation Saturday, suggesting a potential role in mediating between the Chavismo government and the opposition. “We have to do something with this. Maybe bring the parties together and do something. She (Machado) is a very good person and, at the same time, the current leadership (Delcy Rodríguez) is doing a very good job,” Trump said.
Diplomatic Re-Engagement and Human Rights Progress
The reopening of the US diplomatic mission in Caracas on Saturday,with the arrival of Ambassador Laura Dogu,signifies a major shift in US policy toward Venezuela after a seven-year hiatus in diplomatic relations. This move coincided with an announcement by Delcy Rodríguez of a general amnesty for all political prisoners and the closure of the Helicoide detention center, notorious for allegations of torture.
Why: Maria Corina Machado declared her presidential ambitions, contingent on fair elections, coinciding with a US re-engagement with Venezuela.
Who: Key figures include maria Corina Machado (opposition leader), Nicolás maduro (current leader), Delcy Rodríguez (interim government official), Donald Trump (former US President), and Laura Dogu (US Ambassador).
What: The US reopened its diplomatic mission in Caracas, and Venezuela announced a general amnesty for political prisoners.Machado aims to run for president if conditions are democratic.
How did it end?: The situation is ongoing.While diplomatic ties are thawing and some political prisoners have been released, Machado remains in exile, and the future of her candidacy and the overall political landscape remains uncertain. The potential for Trump mediation adds another layer of complexity.
