INTERVIEW WITH MARIA CORINA MACHADO

María Corina Machado is a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, known for her outspoken criticism of President Nicolás Maduro’s regime and her efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela. A 57-year-old engineer with significant public support, she has been a central figure in the country’s political opposition, often described as having "rock-star appeal" and dubbed "la libertadora" by supporters, drawing comparisons to Simón Bolívar. She leads the Vente Venezuela movement and has been a key figure in challenging Maduro’s authoritarian rule, which has been marked by economic collapse, corruption, and repression.

### Recent Developments (2024–2025):
- **Presidential Election and Ban**: Machado was barred from running in the July 28, 2024, presidential election, which was widely criticized as fraudulent. Despite this, she campaigned tirelessly for Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition’s substitute candidate, who evidence suggests won overwhelmingly. The regime’s refusal to accept the results led to international condemnation and sanctions.[](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/not-viable-gonzalez-enter-venezuela-says-opposition-leader-machado-2025-01-10/)[](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250109-maria-corina-machado-the-face-and-fire-of-venezuela-s-opposition)
- **Protests and Detention**: On January 9, 2025, Machado emerged from over 250 days in hiding to lead protests in Caracas against Maduro’s third-term inauguration. She was briefly detained by security forces amid gunfire, with her team reporting a violent interception. Machado was released shortly after and declared she was "in a safe place" with renewed determination. The government denied her arrest, calling it a staged event.[](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuela-maria-corina-machado-detained-before-nicolas-maduro-swearing-in/)[](https://www.euronews.com/2025/01/10/venezuelan-opposition-leader-maria-machado-arrested-then-freed-after-leading-protests-in-c)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/maduro-inauguration-looms-venezuela-opposition-plan-street-protests-2025-01-09/)
- **Aides’ Escape**: In May 2025, five of Machado’s aides, who had been sheltering in the Argentine embassy in Caracas for 15 months, were rescued in a U.S.-brokered operation and brought to the U.S. Machado’s 84-year-old mother also fled Venezuela in a related operation.[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-07/machado-s-mother-flees-venezuela-amid-impeccable-us-operation)[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8k86lxpl7o)[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-06/venezuela-opposition-members-leave-argentina-embassy-in-caracas)
- **Support for Sanctions**: Machado has supported U.S. sanctions, including President Donald Trump’s cancellation of oil licenses (e.g., Chevron’s), arguing they cut funding to Maduro’s “criminal organization.” She believes these measures weaken the regime without harming Venezuelans, as oil revenue does not benefit the public.[](https://www.ft.com/content/62559668-0ada-408d-8606-a186877e51ec)[](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/venezuelas-trump-oil-licenses-00206806)
- **International Recognition**: Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Machado is recognized for her resilience and commitment to a democratic Venezuela. She has garnered support from global leaders, including Trump, who warned Maduro against harming her, and Canada, which recognized González as the legitimate president-elect.[](https://time.com/collections/100-most-influential-people-2025/7273783/maria-corina-machado/)[](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/venezuela-opposition-machado-abduction-1.7427473)
- **Ongoing Resistance**: Machado continues to call for the end of Maduro’s regime, describing it as ungovernable and urging supporters to boycott regional and parliamentary elections to avoid legitimizing the dictatorship. She remains in Venezuela, leading the opposition despite risks, and has expressed optimism about the regime’s collapse.[](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/06/venezuela-leader-machado-hiding-maduro/)[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-19/venezuela-s-machado-calls-on-supporters-to-boycott-coming-votes)[](https://x.com/IdaniaChirinos/status/1852694274921353565)

### Context:
Maduro’s regime, in power since 2013, has led Venezuela into economic ruin, with an 80% GDP decline and nearly 8 million people fleeing the country. Machado’s movement focuses on dismantling this system, targeting the regime’s economic vulnerabilities and internal fractures. Her resolve, despite being labeled a “terrorist” and facing constant threats, has made her a symbol of hope for many Venezuelans.[](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/06/venezuela-leader-machado-hiding-maduro/)[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-04-16/venezuela-s-maria-corina-machado-on-opposition-s-priorities)

For further details, you can explore sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or CBC News for real-time updates on her activities and Venezuela’s political crisis. If you want me to dive deeper into a specific aspect (e.g., her policy proposals, international support, or personal background), let me know!

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