María Corina Machado announces imminent return to Venezuela; Rodríguez brothers seek to capitalize on tragedy

Opposition leader María Corina Machado has declared her imminent return to Venezuela, stating her priority is to address the national emergency caused by a devastating earthquake and to support affected families. Machado announced her "soon return" from a Fox News interview, emphasizing her desire to be present with her compatriots during this critical time.

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My soon return

Sources suggest Machado attempted to return shortly after the earthquake, using the same clandestine route she took last year to travel abroad. However, reports indicate that Washington exerted pressure, dissuading not only Machado's team but also the Venezuelan government and authorities in Curaçao from facilitating her travel. Machado currently lacks a passport and requires consular permits to enter the country.

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My priority is to save lives and accompany the affected families.

Political analysts note that the magnitude of the catastrophe necessitates a reevaluation of strategies, particularly concerning the timeline for Venezuela's transition to democracy. Miguel Velarde, an analyst, stated that Machado, as a Venezuelan, has the "absolute right" to be with her people, especially given the demonstrated absence of state support. He believes her leadership is needed as a "compass in moments of darkness."

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As a Venezuelan, Machado has the absolute right to want to be with her compatriots. Given the absence of the State, which has been proven once again in recent days, Venezuelans also need her leadership, a kind of compass in moments of darkness.

Meanwhile, historians and analysts observe that the ruling Rodríguez brothers are attempting to capitalize on the tragedy. Armando Chaguaceda, a historian, commented that Machado needs to maintain a tangible connection with the populace, drawing a parallel to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's relationship with his people. He noted that while the 27 years of Chavismo present significant challenges, authoritarian regimes often exploit crises to gain time and consolidate power, citing historical examples where disaster response influenced political outcomes.

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María Corina continues to lead significantly in the polls, but she needs to maintain a connection with the people, especially at a time when politics is not erased, but redirected. She needs to reconnect in a tangible way, as Zelensky did, with a necessary but uncomfortable relationship with the Washington Government.