Machado Vows Return to Venezuela, Asks Europe for Reconstruction Help

María Corina Machado has announced her imminent return to Venezuela, calling on Europe to support a democratic reconstruction after recent earthquakes exposed the regime's corruption. During a videoconference at the Partido Popular Europeo's Libertas Forum in Madrid, she emphasized her role as a stabilizing force and stressed that only a democratic transition can bring lasting stability. Source: infobae

What Happened

• Machado stated, "Ese es mi propósito ahora que voy a regresar a Venezuela," and urged European leaders to accompany a process of "reencuentro" and "reconstrucción democrática." Source: elnacionalve
• She rejected the notion that her return could be destabilizing, instead presenting it as "pacificadora" and "ordenadora." Source: eldiado
• The U.S. has warned that her return could be counterproductive to humanitarian efforts, a position she dismissed, asserting that Venezuelan society is "cohesionada" and ready for change. Source: infobae

The Broader Context

• Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by the opposition as president-elect, also spoke at the event, underscoring the need to recover institutions and trust. He received the XXXIV Premio de Convivencia in Madrid, where he said, "Reconstruir Venezuela exigirá recuperar instituciones, pero sobre todo, exigirá recuperar la confianza." Source: diariolibree
• Both leaders have framed the earthquakes as a catalyst, exposing a system they describe as corrupt and indolent, and reinforcing the call for a transition. Source: abces