June 29 - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Monday she is "willing to do whatever it takes" to enter Venezuela to assist with recovery after last week’s back-to-back earthquakes. Machado, who is presently in Panama, accused the Venezuelan government of obstructing her attempts to go back to the country.
In a video posted on X, Machado said she "will be in Venezuela to help coordinate and encourage citizens efforts during the emergency." She did not provide further specifics about how she plans to re-enter Venezuela or the logistics of any coordination effort.
Machado's recent movements and long-term intentions reflect a complex political trajectory. She had been living in hiding inside Venezuela after claiming victory in the countrys disputed 2024 election. In December, she left Venezuela clandestinely by boat to travel to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which she later handed to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Her stated wish to return has generated tension in Washington, where U.S. officials have asked her to delay any immediate return. A White House official said on Saturday that Machado has contacted several U.S. administration offices - including the White House itself, the State Department, and members of Congress - to request support for a possible return to Venezuela.
The political backdrop to Machado's plans includes wider shifts within Venezuelan opposition expectations. The capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces in January had prompted some opposition figures to anticipate Machado, 58, taking a prominent role in governing. Yet, former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for Maduros former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, arguing that Machado lacks the necessary backing to lead the country in the near term.
Before the earthquakes, Machado had indicated she hoped to return to Venezuela before the end of the year. On Monday she reiterated her readiness to engage with whomever necessary to support the population during the emergency, saying:
"At this moment, I am willing to do whatever it takes, speak to whoever I need to speak to, in order to coordinate and serve our people."
Multiple facets of uncertainty remain. Machado has accused the government of blocking her return, she has not described the route or timeline she would use to travel back, and her bid to re-enter has been met with diplomatic caution from Washington. How these dynamics will play out amid the immediate humanitarian needs created by the earthquakes is unresolved.
Summary of current situation
Machado has publicly committed to returning to Venezuela to assist earthquake recovery efforts, accuses the government of preventing her return, has not disclosed specific plans for re-entry, and has sought support from U.S. officials while facing political headwinds over leadership backing.