Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Addresses Nation Following Maduro’s Capture
Machado’s Letter to Venezuelans
On January 3, 2026, María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, released a fervent letter to the Venezuelan people after the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a covert U.S. operation. Machado, who has largely been in hiding over the past year, expressed optimism about the political landscape, affirming that Maduro would “face international juststart for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and citizens of many other nations.”
In her letter, shared on social media platform X, Machado proclaimed, “The time for freedom has come!” This statement underscores her commitment to democratic change in Venezuela, especially following her recent accolade as the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner. With uncertainty surrounding her own whereabouts, it remains unclear if Machado, who adeptly escaped to Norway last month, is currently in Venezuela.
Call for Democratic Change
Machado has consistently advocated for increased military pressure on Maduro’s regime, expressing her support for President Trump’s strategies to heighten such pressure. In mid-December, she stated unequivocally, “I am absolutely supportive of… more and more pressure so that Maduro understands that he has to go.”
In her letter, Machado urged Venezuelans to unite for the cause of freedom, emphasizing the need for popular sovereignty and a restoration of order. She stated, “We are going to restore order, release the political prisstartrs, build an exceptional country, and bring our children back home.”
A Vision for a New Venezuela
Highlighting the recent events as a pivotal moment, Machado called for the recognition of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela’s legitimate President, anticipating his immediate assumption of power. She encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and organized through the upcoming democratic transition, which she described as a collective effort that requires the participation of all Venezuelans.
To those in Venezuela, she signaled readiness for imminent actions through official communication channels. For Venezuelans residing abroad, Machado called for increased engagement with global governments and citizens to garner support for the rebuilding of Venezuela.
Conclusion
In a powerful closing to her message, Machado offered reassurance and solidarity to her fellow Venezuelans, declaring, “VENEZUELA WILL BE FREE! We go hand in hand with God, until the end.” As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, marking a potentially transformative chapter in Venezuela’s ongoing struggle for democracy.