The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio this Thursday for their role in the political events in Venezuela, and stated that the country’s democratic transition "is irreversible."
During a press conference held in Caracas, in her first appearance of this kind since her return to Venezuela, Machado attributed a decisive role to Washington in the political process that emerged following the U.S. operation on January 3rd.
Her statements were disseminated in videos by EVTV Miami and PanAm Post, and were also reported by the agency EFE.
"I want to thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the Government of the United States, and the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio," said the Venezuelan leader, who emphasized what she described as the vision, courage, and decisions of the U.S. Administration.
Machado stated that the military action of January 3 created an opportunity to move towards a democratic system, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. elite forces.
"This gate to freedom has been opened," he stated, referring to the consequences of that operation.
The opposition member also expressed her hope that Venezuela will become the largest ally of the United States in Latin America, as a result of the political changes she anticipates for the country.
"My presence in Venezuela and what we have experienced in the last three days demonstrates, first of all, that the three-phase plan presented by President Trump is progressing," he stated.
Machado stated that the conversations and recent events have clarified the timelines for the transition. In this context, he directly mentioned Rubio's role and the possibility of holding presidential elections in 2027.
According to the explanation, the Secretary of State has outlined a sequence of events that includes "the holding of presidential elections in 2027."
The opposition leader considered that this perspective addresses the need to provide political solutions to Venezuelans and to overcome the uncertainty the country is facing. "This responsibly addresses the urgency of a nation," she affirmed.
However, the celebration of presidential elections in 2027 still depends on the realization of the necessary political and institutional agreements.
Machado insisted that recent events demonstrate that the process of political transformation is irreversible. “The democratic transition is irreversible,” he reaffirmed during the appearance. His words were applauded by those present.
At another point during her statements, the Nobel Peace Prize winner expressed her gratitude to the individuals who contributed to making her return to Venezuelan territory possible after being outside the country for nearly 10 months.
Her appearance comes four days after returning to Venezuela on Sunday. Machado announced her return with a brief message to Venezuelans: "I am here. With you."
One day after the return, the party Vente Venezuela confirmed the willingness of Machado to meet with interim president Delcy Rodríguez to discuss the transition process, although a formal meeting between the two leaders had not yet been announced.
Filed under: