María Corina Machado’s return to Venezuela appears to be drawing closer. Following several failed attempts to enter the country, members of Vente Venezuela, the political movement led by Machado, say they are in the final stages of securing the legal conditions needed for the opposition leader’s return.
After leaving the country in December 2025 and making approximately seven attempts to return to Venezuela, Machado reiterated this week her intention to return and stand alongside Venezuelans as the country goes through its transition towards democracy.
Uncertainty grows among Venezuelans
Since her departure, Venezuelans have been awaiting her possible return. However, speculation that she may have already entered Venezuelan territory increased after reports began circulating about a private plane that allegedly arrived from Panama on Wednesday.
So far, there has been no confirmation that the opposition leader was on board the aircraft. The latest official statements regarding her possible return came on 6 October, when Henry Alviárez, national organisation coordinator for Vente Venezuela, said Machado could return “in the coming hours”.
Washington denies blocking her return
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Machado’s return has once again placed the role of the United States in Venezuela at the centre of debate. Questions have emerged over the Trump administration’s position, alongside allegations that Washington did not support the opposition leader’s return.
Questions increased after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration had not backed one of Machado’s attempts to enter Venezuela through Curaçao, which reportedly led Dutch authorities to deny permission for the aircraft to land.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied on Wednesday that the US government had in any way prevented Machado from entering Venezuela. He also said Washington had not asked any country to block her return. Rubio also questioned the accuracy of the information published.
Trump had also addressed the issue days earlier, when he was asked whether he supported María Corina Machado’s return to Venezuela, but did not directly answer the question. Instead, he described the opposition leader as “a very fine woman” and recalled that she had given him her Nobel Peace Prize medal.
Amid speculation over Machado’s possible return and allegations involving Washington, a new claim has emerged from Bárbara Gabriela César Siero. The former Supreme Court of Justice magistrate said she was threatened into signing the decision that disqualified Machado from holding public office.
Amid a climate of uncertainty in which speculation continues, the opposition leader has continued to reiterate her intention to return to her country. In a post that also coincided with her birthday, Machado thanked Venezuelans for their messages and support: “Infinite thanks, thank you to each and every one of you for making me feel so close to everyone…”
Link Bárbara Gabriela César Siero’s full statement here
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