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Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expressed confidence on Friday that Venezuela will eventually hold free elections, but warned the path ahead will be difficult and complex.
Machado spoke to reporters a day after meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal, urging Trump to give the opposition a role in shaping Venezuela’s future following the ouster of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro.
Opposition Optimistic About Elections
Machado described the remnants of Maduro’s government as a “criminal regime”. She said she is confident the structure will eventually dismantle itself, paving the way for an orderly transition to elections.
“I am profoundly confident that we will have an orderly transition,” Machado said. “This process will take time to unfold, but it is inevitable.”
She emphasized that her remarks were not about personal tensions with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, but about the systemic issues dominating Venezuela for years.
U.S. Relations and Trump Meeting
Since the Jan 3 raid that toppled Maduro, Trump has prioritized access to Venezuela’s oil reserves over restoring democracy. Machado’s visit did not secure a formal agreement but allowed her to stress her desire to return to Venezuela.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe also visited Caracas during Machado’s Washington trip, meeting with Rodriguez. The visit signaled a high-level U.S. interest in Venezuela’s transitional governance and intelligence cooperation.
Machado avoided direct criticism of Trump’s approach but expressed gratitude for the meeting. Trump described her as a “wonderful woman” and praised the Nobel medal gesture as an act of mutual respect.
Challenges Facing the Opposition
Machado, who fled Venezuela in December via a daring seaborne escape, continues to compete for influence with Rodriguez’s government. Rodriguez, a former Maduro ally, has the backing of the Trump administration and currently oversees governance in Venezuela.
Machado and her allies faced restrictions under Maduro’s rule. She was banned from the 2024 presidential election, while many of her supporters were jailed. Rights group Foro Penal estimates around 800 political prisoners remain in the country.
One notable case is Rafael Tudares, who remains in poor health after detention. His daughter Mariana Gonzalez reported he was allowed a brief, emotionally challenging conversation with family through bulletproof glass.
Venezuela’s Future Uncertain
Rodriguez has called for diplomacy with the U.S. and hinted at reforms to Venezuela’s oil industry to attract foreign investment. The international community is watching closely, as changes to the law could significantly affect oil exports and foreign investment.
Despite these uncertainties, Machado remains optimistic about the opposition’s role in shaping Venezuela’s political future and eventual return to democratic elections.
