Venezuela’s Machado lauds Trump for ‘freedom’, urges 2027 elections

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado declared on Thursday that the nation is progressing toward a presidential election scheduled for 2027, as per the US's guidelines. This marks her first public statement since her return from a 10-month exile. Machado affirmed that the transition to democracy is irreversible and emphasized that the date of the election, slated for 2027, symbolizes the country's liberation.

She maintained her stance that dismantling the repressive regime and securing the release of political prisoners are her top priorities. Machado denied any communication with Interim President Delcy Rodriguez since her return. Prior to Machado's remarks, Rodriguez announced her intention to hold elections in Venezuela, though she did not specify a date.

Following Machado's public comments, Trump acknowledged his role in opening the "floodgate to freedom" in Venezuela on January 3, referring to the US's capture of former President Nicolas Maduro. However, Machado criticized a recent oil deal between Washington and Caracas, wherein Venezuela is set to supply 20% of its oil reserves to the US.

She expressed concern over the lack of transparency in this agreement. Machado also dismissed Trump's comments suggesting Venezuela could become the 51st US state and questioned his assertion that she lacked sufficient support to lead the country immediately. Notably, Machado, who was barred from the 2024 presidential race, endorsed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who supporters claim won by a landslide despite electoral authorities declaring Maduro the victor.

Machado's recent return after nearly a year in exile introduces complexities for the US, which supports her right to remain in Venezuela while praising Interim President Rodriguez.