SANTIAGO, Chile — Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has reaffirmed the United States’ crucial role as a strategic partner for Venezuela’s democratic restoration, despite recent Washington endorsements of acting President Delcy Rodríguez. During her address in the Chilean capital, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate characterized U.S. support as indispensable for her nation’s political transformation.
Machado outlined a tripartite roadmap for Venezuela’s recovery, detailing phases of stabilization, economic rehabilitation, and ultimate democratic transition. Her statements emerge amidst significant diplomatic developments, including the recent reestablishment of formal relations between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments.
The opposition leader specifically referenced January’s military operation targeting former President Nicolás Maduro as evidence of America’s commitment to Venezuelan freedom. She emphasized that the U.S. remains “the only nation that has risked its citizens’ lives to secure liberty for Venezuela.”
Machado’s Chilean visit coincided with the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast, whose administration has pledged stringent immigration controls targeting irregular migrants—predominantly Venezuelans. Despite these policies that could affect approximately 330,000 Venezuelan residents, Machado expressed gratitude toward Kast’s government, acknowledging each nation’s sovereign right to ensure border security.
Addressing the Venezuelan diaspora crisis, Machado highlighted that nearly 700,000 Venezuelans have sought refuge in Chile alone, describing them as “decent people forced to flee to save their lives.” She appealed to Latin American solidarity to facilitate the dignified repatriation of displaced citizens to their homeland.