María Corina Machado returns to Venezuela, says she is open to talks

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado returned to the country on Sunday after nearly a year in exile, traveling to Caracas as thousands of supporters lined highways, toll plazas and city streets.

Crowds waved Venezuelan flags and chanted “liberty” while Machado rode in a convoy of cars and motorcycles. Earlier, supporters gathered around her in Guacara as she sang the national anthem. Her return followed several unsuccessful attempts to re-enter Venezuela, according to members of her party.

Machado left the country in December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after spending months in hiding. She returned to a changed political landscape: Nicolás Maduro was captured in a U.S. military operation in January and taken to the United States, while his former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, became interim president with Washington’s support. The interim government has pledged to hold elections but has not announced a date.

Machado said she is willing to meet Rodríguez. Her spokesperson, Claudia Macero, told Union Radio that Machado was prepared to hold transparent talks with Rodríguez or anyone else necessary, provided there is an agenda.

The European Union welcomed Machado’s return as an opening for broader political participation. EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni urged Venezuelan authorities and political groups to pursue an inclusive dialogue toward free and fair elections. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called on political actors to support the ongoing negotiation process between the interim government and opposition groups.