Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says she expects to return to Venezuela soon as part of what she described as the "final phase" of the country's democratic transition, raising fresh questions about the next chapter of the opposition movement and the future political landscape in Caracas.
In remarks broadcast by Univision, Machado said her return is being carefully coordinated with allies both inside and outside Venezuela.
"The day I announce the date, it will have consequences, and of course it is being agreed upon with people inside and outside the country," Machado said.
The comments represent one of her clearest statements yet about plans to return after months abroad. While she did not provide a specific timeline, Machado suggested preparations are already underway and tied her return to broader efforts surrounding Venezuela's political transition.
Machado has repeatedly expressed her intention to return to Venezuela. In April, she told Reuters she expected to be back in the country before the end of 2026 and argued that the transition process required a path toward free and fair elections.
More recently, she told Spain's El País that her return would come "soon," though she stressed that timing remained critical and would depend on political conditions and coordination with international allies.
Her remarks come as Venezuela's opposition seeks to maintain momentum following months of political upheaval. Last week, Machado and other opposition leaders meeting in Panama reiterated their commitment to democratic elections and political reforms while calling for guarantees for exiles and political prisoners.
The opposition leader has remained one of the most influential figures in Venezuelan politics despite spending months outside the country. According to reporting by Reuters and the Associated Press, Machado has continued to advocate for electoral reforms, the appointment of an independent electoral authority, and a timetable for presidential elections.
Her planned return could carry significant political implications.
Supporters view Machado as the opposition's most recognizable leader and believe her physical presence inside Venezuela would strengthen efforts to organize for future elections. Critics, however, have questioned whether conditions are in place for a safe return and whether the country's political institutions are prepared for the kind of democratic transition she envisions.
Machado acknowledged that her eventual return is not simply a personal decision but part of a broader strategy.
"The day I announce the date, it will have consequences," she said, suggesting discussions are taking place among political actors both within Venezuela and abroad.
For now, she has left one key question unanswered: exactly when she plans to come home.What appears increasingly clear is that Machado wants that day to come sooner rather than later.
