Machado declares Venezuela's democratic shift irreversible after three days home

María Corina Machado stated on Thursday that the democratic transition in Venezuela is now irreversible. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate made the declaration during her first media appearance since returning to the country on Sunday.

Machado assessed that the three days following her return indicate progress in the three-phase plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. She noted that specific timelines for elections have become clearer. "Han quedado más claro los plazos (…) eso atiende con responsabilidad la urgencia de un país," Machado said regarding the schedule.

The opposition leader traveled to the coastal state of La Guaira on Wednesday. This region suffered the most damage from the double earthquake on June 24. Machado met with residents affected by the disaster in various sectors of the area. Her campaign team shared photographs and videos of the visit on X.

The group known as Comando con Venezuela emphasized that Machado’s priority was to be in Vargas, the former name of the state, to support the local population. Her team reported that she inspected the destruction firsthand. "Ver de cerca las heridas de nuestra tierra duele, pero abrazar a cada familia, escuchar su dolor, sus historias y su determinación para salir adelante reafirma un solo compromiso: no dejarlos solos," the team added.

Machado reappeared in Venezuela on Sunday after several failed attempts to enter the country. She led a caravane of vehicles from the western state of Lara to Caracas. This route marked her first public appearance since crossing the border.

Since returning, the former deputy has held meetings with members of her party, Vente Venezuela. She also spoke with families of political prisoners and victims of human rights abuses. Additionally, she conferred with leaders of the Plataforma Unitaria Democrática, the main opposition coalition, and the Alianza por Venezuela, a group of smaller social and political organizations.