Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Claims Coalition's Right to Govern

Fri Jan 09 2026 03:54:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of the US-led ousting of Nicolás Maduro, María Corina Machado asserts that her coalition is best suited to lead Venezuela, despite mixed support from both the US and her own party.

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, insists that her coalition should govern the country following the recent ousting of Nicolás Maduro by US forces. While thanking former US President Trump for his decisive action, Machado's claims of support remain challenged by Trump's reluctance to endorse her as a credible successor. Amidst political upheaval, Machado claims that she and her coalition represent the true will of the people, despite a controversial interim leadership appointed post-Maduro's arrest.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has stated that her coalition should absolutely take charge of the nation after the recent ousting of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. In a recent interview with CBS, Machado emphasized, We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated.

Her statement comes following Trump's US military intervention in Caracas, which led to the arrest of Maduro. While expressing gratitude to Trump for removing Maduro from power, she criticized the credibility of the appointed interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, who is seen as an ally of Maduro.

Despite her coalition's claim to a disputed electoral victory in 2024, Trump has publicly questioned Machado's support, stating that she may lack the necessary respect and backing within Venezuela. He remarked, It would be very tough for her to be the leader, reflecting the complicated dynamics at play.

Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, articulated that the US military action marked a significant step towards the restoration of democracy and rule of law in Venezuela. Yet, Trump has not endorsed her, focusing instead on the interim government led by Rodríguez, a known associate of Maduro.

The opposition also maintains that the future of a democratic Venezuela cannot exist without both Machado and her ally Edmundo González, a figure previously favored as a potential successor to Maduro's regime. Despite claims of election fraud, Mexico and other countries have recognized González's electoral victory, further complicating the political landscape.

As the situation evolves, Machado's coalition aims to rally public and international support against the interim government seen as a continuation of Maduro's oppressive regime, highlighting Rodríguez's role in past repressions against the Venezuelan people.

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