Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado speaks throughout a press convention on the authorities’s consultant amenities in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
Stian Lysberg Solum/Pool NTB Scanpix through AP
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Stian Lysberg Solum/Pool NTB Scanpix through AP
After the in a single day seize of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse within the capital metropolis of Caracas, questions stay as to who will lead the nation.
Venezuelan opposition chief María Corina Machado, who lately gained the Nobel Peace Prize, has referred to as for Edmundo González, to be acknowledged because the rightful chief of the nation. He was extensively seen because the authentic winner of the 2024 presidential election within the nation.
Who’s Machado?
Machado rose to world prominence final yr together with her win of the distinguished Nobel Peace Prize.
She has been an outspoken critic of Maduro’s get together, the United Socialist Occasion of Venezuela (PSUV), because it first gained energy below founder Hugo Chávez within the presidential election of 1998. The Nobel committee acknowledged Machado for “her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
Her full-throated criticisms of Maduro’s authoritarian regime has earned her the moniker “Iron Lady” amongst her supporters.
Machado has praised President Trump as his administration carries out lethal strikes within the Caribbean Sea towards Venezuelan boats he has accused of trafficking medicine.
She devoted her Nobel Prize to the American president and has repeatedly expressed her assist for the United States‘ stress marketing campaign towards Maduro, citing crumbling political and financial techniques inside Venezuela which have compelled 20% of its residents to flee the nation.
Regardless of her recognition amongst many Venezuelans, Trump mentioned on Saturday he had not been in touch with Machado because the navy strikes in Caracas and that he didn’t see her as a viable candidate to steer the nation.
“I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country,” he advised reporters throughout a press convention. “She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect to be a leader.”
Trump mentioned the US would “run” Venezuela till a “proper transition can take place.”
Machado on Saturday praised Maduro’s seize, writing in a press release that he faces “international justice for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and against citizens of many other nations.”
“Faced with his refusal to accept a negotiated exit, the United States government has fulfilled its promise to uphold the law,” she wrote.
Machado continued: “We have fought for years, we have given everything, and it has been worth it. What had to happen is happening.”
Venezuela held a intently watched presidential election in 2024. Machado was barred by the Maduro regime from working within the race, however she threw her backing behind fellow opposition member González.
Worldwide election watchdogs, together with the US, say Maduro manipulated the poll outcomes as a way to steal a 3rd time period in workplace and proceed his dictatorial reign.
On Saturday, Machado referred to as for Venezuelans to coalesce round González and acknowledge him because the authentic president of the beleaguered nation.
“Today we are prepared to enforce our mandate and take power. Let us remain vigilant, active, and organized until the Democratic Transition is finalized. A transition that needs ALL of us.”
Although Machado has devoted Venezuelan supporters, the previous Venezuelan Nationwide Meeting legislator has been banned by Maduro’s authorities from working for workplace and was compelled into hiding till a current escape — aided by U.S. navy veterans — efficiently extracted her to Europe.
