Venezuela: Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says US backs 2027 election

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated on Thursday that the nation is progressing towards a US-specified presidential election in 2027, marking her first public comments since her 10-month exile. Referring to democracy's irreversible shift, Machado emphasized that the 2027 date signifies liberation during a speech in Caracas.

She further reaffirmed her commitment to dismantling the oppressive regime and releasing political detainees, adding that she has not communicated with interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Rodriguez had earlier announced elections in Venezuela, although no specific date was mentioned. Machado, who once presented US President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize, thanked him for the January 3 event that opened the door to freedom in Venezuela, referring to the release of former President Nicolas Maduro, who faces US drug trafficking and torture charges.

However, Machado criticized a recent oil deal between Washington and Caracas, which will see Venezuela supplying 20% of its oil reserves to the United States, citing a lack of transparency. She avoided discussing Trump's suggestions that Venezuela might become the 51st US state or her perceived lack of support to lead the country immediately.

Machado, who was ineligible to run in the 2024 presidential election, supported opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who supporters claimed won by a large margin despite official results declaring Maduro the winner.