Venezuelan President Claims Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Fled to Spain

Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s president, announced on Wednesday night that María Corina Machado, a leader of the opposition coalition Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), has left Venezuela for Spain. Maduro stated firmly, “She fled, she’s gone,” referring to the Venezuelan opposition leader.

The president provided limited information about Machado’s departure. He mentioned that the former deputy had first sent someone close to her to Spain, someone who takes photographs, but he refrained from naming this individual. Maduro did not offer any evidence to support his claims about Machado’s alleged flight.

The Venezuelan leader labeled Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, a former presidential candidate from the same coalition, as “cowards.” He criticized them for not staying in Venezuela to lead their supporters. Maduro contrasted his own commitment to the country with that of the opposition leaders.

“I am committed to the people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” Maduro declared. He added that he stands at the forefront of the battle, unlike González Urrutia, whom he accused of claiming victory and then fleeing to Madrid.

María Corina Machado is the founder and national leader of the “Vente Venezuela” movement. The government considers this movement to be far-right. Machado previously served as a deputy and was a presidential pre-candidate for the opposition.

Venezuelan President Claims Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Fled to Spain

Despite winning the opposition’s internal elections in 2023 as an aspiring presidential candidate, Machado remains barred from running for public office. This disqualification has been a point of contention between the government and opposition groups.

The situation highlights the ongoing political tensions in Venezuela. Opposition leaders face challenges in their efforts to compete in elections and lead their supporters within the country. Meanwhile, the government continues to assert its control over the political landscape.

María Corina Machado has countered recent statements by Nicolás Maduro, asserting that she remains in Venezuela. Machado emphasized that the electoral records first reached the hands of the military guarding the polling stations and the National Electoral Council.

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