Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has made it clear that she's eyeing the top spot in Venezuela, saying "I will be president when the time comes." However, her comments on the matter were met with skepticism by some, who point to the current power vacuum and lack of a clear timeline for the country's next election.
Despite being barred from running against President Nicolás Maduro in 2024 due to alleged concerns from his camp that she posed a threat, Machado expressed confidence in her ability to take the reins. "It doesn't matter," she stated. "That should be decided in elections by the Venezuelan people." This sentiment was echoed when she threw her support behind former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, who ultimately won recognition as the election's legitimate winner from the US and international community.
Machado attributed her opponent's victory to Maduro's efforts to discredit her, saying he thought González Urrutia was "not a threat" because few people knew about him. However, Machado's team managed to rally support for González in a short span of time, with the opposition leader attributing their success to a matter of freedom.
Meanwhile, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain, with remnants of Maduro's government still holding power under interim President Delcy Rodriguez. US President Trump recently expressed praise for the current leadership, though his stance on Machado has shifted over time. From being dismissive to showing interest in her involvement, it's unclear what role Machada might play in the country's transition.
For now, Machado remains a force to be reckoned with in Venezuelan politics, urging the nation towards electoral democracy and paving the way for a potential presidency in the future.
Despite being barred from running against President Nicolás Maduro in 2024 due to alleged concerns from his camp that she posed a threat, Machado expressed confidence in her ability to take the reins. "It doesn't matter," she stated. "That should be decided in elections by the Venezuelan people." This sentiment was echoed when she threw her support behind former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, who ultimately won recognition as the election's legitimate winner from the US and international community.
Machado attributed her opponent's victory to Maduro's efforts to discredit her, saying he thought González Urrutia was "not a threat" because few people knew about him. However, Machado's team managed to rally support for González in a short span of time, with the opposition leader attributing their success to a matter of freedom.
Meanwhile, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain, with remnants of Maduro's government still holding power under interim President Delcy Rodriguez. US President Trump recently expressed praise for the current leadership, though his stance on Machado has shifted over time. From being dismissive to showing interest in her involvement, it's unclear what role Machada might play in the country's transition.
For now, Machado remains a force to be reckoned with in Venezuelan politics, urging the nation towards electoral democracy and paving the way for a potential presidency in the future.