Opposition Leader Maria Machado Returns to Caracas Amid Public Greeting
October 26, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Thousands of people gathered in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital city, to welcome opposition leader Maria Corina Machado upon her return from a 10-month exile. Machado had left the country last December, shortly before US authorities took President Nicolas Maduro into custody and supported his deputy Delcy Rodriguez as the new leader.
Machado was met with a large crowd of supporters who lined the streets to greet her arrival. The opposition leader’s homecoming comes after she spent nearly a decade in exile, during which time she remained active in Venezuelan politics despite being outside the country.
Details of Machado’s return are not yet available, but it is clear that her homecoming has been widely anticipated by supporters and observers alike. The event marks an important moment for Venezuela’s opposition movement, as Machado’s presence could potentially signal a shift in the country’s political landscape.
Machado’s decision to return to Venezuela comes at a time of significant uncertainty for the country. The US government’s actions have had a profound impact on Venezuelan politics, and it remains to be seen how Machado will navigate this new reality. As she settles back into her role as opposition leader, Machado is likely to face numerous challenges and opportunities in the days ahead.
The crowd that gathered to welcome Machado has been described as large and enthusiastic, with many supporters expressing their support for the opposition leader’s return. The exact number of attendees is not yet known, but it is clear that her homecoming has been a significant event in Caracas.
Source: Al Jazeera