Machado pledges swift return to Venezuela

January 06, 2026 / 9:34 AM

Sharjah24 - AFP: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Monday that she intends to return to her country “as soon as possible,” reaffirming her commitment to lead the next phase of political change in Venezuela.

First public remarks since weekend developments

Speaking in her first public comments since a weekend social media post following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro from power by the US military, Machado said she remains determined to go back despite the risks. The Nobel Peace Prize winner made the remarks from an undisclosed location.

Rejection of interim leadership

In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Machado strongly criticised interim president Delcy Rodriguez, accusing her of being deeply involved in “torture, persecution, corruption and narcotrafficking.” Rodriguez previously served as vice president under Maduro and has signalled openness to cooperation with Washington.

Confidence in electoral victory

Machado said Rodriguez lacks popular support, stressing that Venezuelan voters stand firmly with the opposition. She expressed confidence that, under free and fair elections, the opposition would secure more than 90 percent of the vote.

Vision for Venezuela’s future

Outlining her plans, Machado vowed to dismantle criminal networks, transform Venezuela into the energy hub of the Americas, and encourage millions of displaced Venezuelans to return home, pledging to rebuild the country after years of crisis.