Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she expects to return to Venezuela before the end of 2026 and called on the United States to speed up the process of organizing new elections. In an interview with "Reuters" she stressed that the delay increases the risk of civil tension and destabilization.
According to her, the country urgently needs "free and fair elections" that can channel public discontent in a peaceful way. Machado warned that Venezuelans' expectations for rapid political change following the detention of President Nicolas Maduro are extremely high and that if they are not met, there is a risk of chaos.
She indicated that organizing elections is possible within eight to nine months if concrete steps are taken, including updating the voter lists and selecting a new electoral commission. At the same time, Machado acknowledged the role of the Donald Trump administration in the current situation, but stressed the need for faster action.
Currently, interim power in Venezuela has been taken by Delcy Rodriguez, which Machado said is a temporary measure, not a long-term solution. She expressed confidence that the ruling party is weaker than ever and that the country is at a crucial moment of transition.
Machado, who left the country in December after years of persecution and a ban on participating in elections, stressed that millions of Venezuelans are waiting for "a big change". She called on the international community, including European countries, to take a more active position in support of the democratic process in the country.