Venezuelan opposition leader Machado appeals to Spanish PM and celebrates Chilean president's inauguration

Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, called on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to take an unambiguous stance on the crisis in her homeland. During her visit to Madrid, the opposition figure met with King Felipe VI, whom she thanked for his support, while sharply criticizing the Spanish government for lacking leadership in Europe regarding Venezuela's democratic transformation. Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, did not participate in the talks with the monarch, which was noted by the media as a significant absence. Machado emphasized that Madrid should become a leader in actions for a free Venezuela in Latin America and at the EU forum. Nobel Peace Prize strengthened her international position, which the leader is utilizing during her current diplomatic trip. María Corina Machado has for years headed the Vente Venezuela movement, opposing the rule of Nicolás Maduro. After the 2024 presidential elections, whose results were contested by the international community, Machado became the main face of the opposition demanding recognition of Edmundo González's victory. Her activities have led to numerous sanctions imposed on the regime in Caracas by the USA and the European Union.

During meetings in the Spanish capital, María Corina Machado made a direct appeal to the head of government, demanding a clear political declaration from him. The opposition leader noted that the moment has come when politicians must take sides in the conflict. „Pido al presidente Sánchez que se posicione del lado del crimen o de la justicia” (I ask President Sánchez to position himself on the side of crime or justice) — María Corina Machado via ABC The visit to Madrid was also an opportunity to announce an imminent return to her country, which Machado declared during joint appearances with representatives of the Venezuelan diaspora. International activity of María Corina Machado: March 11, 2026 — Inauguration in Chile; March 12, 2026 — Visit to Madrid; March 2026 — Planned return

Before coming to Europe, María Corina Machado was in Chile, where on March 11, 2026, she participated in the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast. In Santiago de Chile, she met with thousands of Venezuelan migrants, whose number in the country is estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and asked the new administration to ensure their protection and support. Machado described President Kast as an ally in the fight for democracy, similar to Donald Trump, whose administration she considers key for future changes in Caracas. However, according to reports from The New York Times, the American president has been cooling Machado's personal political ambitions, suggesting that the main figure in the fight for the presidency should remain Edmundo González. „Pronto, en Venezuela” (Soon, in Venezuela) — María Corina Machado via EL MUNDO

Despite reports of distance from Washington regarding her potential presidential candidacy, María Corina Machado continues her diplomatic offensive, mobilizing the Venezuelan emigration and Western governments. Her goal remains to bring about new, fully free presidential elections in Venezuela, which she intends to pursue directly from within the country after her announced return in the coming weeks. [{"aspekt": "King Felipe VI", "przed": "No direct meetings", "po": "Official meeting in Madrid and thanks for support"}, {"aspekt": "Pedro Sánchez", "przed": "Expectation of leadership in the EU", "po": "Sharp criticism for lack of leadership and passivity"}, {"aspekt": "Donald Trump", "przed": "Full support for Machado's ambitions", "po": "Suggesting focus on Edmundo González"}]