Machado says Venezuela transition is irreversible

María Corina Machado stated on Thursday that the political transition in Venezuela is irreversible. The opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate made the declaration during her first press conference since returning to the country. She argued that the three days since her arrival prove the government’s three-phase plan, proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, is moving forward.

Machado returned to Venezuela on Sunday after several failed attempts to cross the border. She led a car caravan from the western state of Lara to Caracas for her first public appearance. Her team, known as Comando con Venezuela, noted that her priority from the first day was to visit La Guaira, formerly called Vargas. This coastal state in the north suffered the most damage from the double earthquake on June 24.

On Wednesday, Machado toured La Guaira and met with residents affected by the disaster. Her campaign shared photos and videos of the visit on X. The group said she inspected the destruction firsthand following the events of June 24. They described her actions as a commitment to support families in their recovery.

During her short stay, Machado met with members of her Vente Venezuela party. She also spoke with families of political prisoners and victims of human rights violations. Additionally, she held meetings with leaders of the Plataforma Unitaria Democrática, the main opposition coalition, and the Alianza por Venezuela, a group of smaller social and political organizations.

The Thursday press conference marks the first formal media engagement by Machado since her reappearance. Her team emphasized that her presence in the hardest-hit areas demonstrated a clear focus on local needs. The visit to La Guaira followed her arrival in Caracas, where she consolidated meetings with various political groups.

Machado’s comments come as the administration continues to implement the three-phase strategy. Her assertion that the shift is irreversible signals confidence in the current trajectory. The next step in her public schedule remains focused on these initial engagements following her return.

The opposition leader’s return concludes a period of uncertainty regarding her physical presence in the country. Her meetings with key stakeholders and disaster victims form the core of her current activities. The press conference serves as the public record of these initial three days in Venezuela.