Maria Corina Machado Says U.S. Pressure Has Left Maduro Weaker as She Vows Return to Venezuela

Maria Corina Machado said the government of Nicolas Maduro is now at its weakest point. She spoke in Oslo on Thursday after her first public appearance in 11 months. She said U.S. actions, including the seizure of an oil tanker, played a key role. She also said she plans to return to Venezuela when conditions are safe.

Her comments came one day after her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. According to AP News, Machado traveled from hiding to Norway with help from supporters and the United States. Her arrival drew large crowds in Oslo, where she promised to keep fighting for democracy.

Maria Corina Machado Highlights Impact of U.S. Actions

Machado said U.S. pressure has changed the balance in Venezuela. She pointed to the recent seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. She said this showed the Maduro government that the world is no longer looking away.

According to AP News, she avoided saying whether foreign military force is needed. But she did say that democratic nations must act, not just speak. She asked governments to cut illegal revenue sources that she said support repression.

She has been in hiding since January, when she was briefly detained during a protest in Caracas. Her escape from Venezuela remains unclear. She thanked people who risked their lives to help her reach Norway.

Machado was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election after winning the opposition primary. The government blocked her candidacy, and Edmundo González became the replacement candidate. Venezuela’s election saw arrests, bans, and rights violations, according to AP News.

Global Attention Grows as Machado Calls for More Support

Machado said international support is important for Venezuela’s future. Norway’s prime minister said his country is ready to help build democratic institutions. She said she will return home even if Maduro stays in power, but only when her safety can be protected.

Her message in Oslo focused on unity and long-term pressure. She said the opposition will continue fighting until Venezuela is free. She did not say how she will enter the country again, but she insisted they have ways to stay safe.

The political crisis remains tense. González sought asylum in Spain after a warrant for his arrest. It is still unclear how either leader could safely return to Venezuela. Still, Machado said support from democratic countries must continue.

Maria Corina Machado continues to push for democratic change. She said the opposition will not stop, even as challenges grow. Her call for action keeps global focus on Venezuela’s struggle.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Who is Maria Corina Machado?

Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader. She won the 2024 opposition primary but was barred from running. She later received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work.

Q2: Why did she travel to Norway?

She went to Norway for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Her daughter accepted the award for her. It was her first public appearance in nearly a year.

Q3: What U.S. action did Machado mention?

She mentioned the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela. She said this action showed that the world is serious about pressuring Maduro. She believes it weakened the government.

Q4: Can Machado return to Venezuela now?

She said she will return when it is safe. She also said it does not depend on whether Maduro stays or goes. For now, her team is working on security.

Q5: What happened in the 2024 election?

Machado was banned from running after winning the opposition primary. Edmundo González replaced her but later sought asylum. Maduro was declared the winner amid reports of repression.