Venezuela opposition leader María Corina Machado returns to country after 10-month exile

Updated on: October 25, 2026 / 10:27 PM EDT / CBS News

Venezuela opposition leader María Corina Machado returns to country after 10-month exile

TL;DR

  • Opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela after nearly 10 months in exile.
  • Her return was confirmed via social media posts and greeted by enthusiastic supporters.
  • Machado's team considers her return a major step towards democratic transition and free, fair elections.
  • She was previously barred from leaving Venezuela and considered a fugitive by the government.
  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that conditions for her return are a result of U.S. support for reconciliation talks.
  • Machado and her allies are demanding a date for presidential elections, while U.S. officials prioritize economic stabilization.