Machado Calls for Leadership in Venezuela After Maduro's Ouster

Thu Jan 08 2026 21:51:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado claims her coalition should lead the country following the recent arrest of President Maduro by US forces.

In an interview with CBS, María Corina Machado expressed confidence in her coalition's capability to govern Venezuela after the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. She appreciated the US intervention but criticized the new interim leader put in place after Maduro's arrest. Although she claims a mandate from the people, support for her leadership remains uncertain.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has asserted that her coalition should 'absolutely' be in charge of the country, following the US-led ousting of President Nicolás Maduro last week.

We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated, Machado declared in her interview with CBS. She extended gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his 'leadership and courage' during the military operation that resulted in Maduro's arrest in Caracas. Machado, however, expressed skepticism over the trustworthiness of Maduro's ally, who has been designated as the interim leader.

Despite claiming victory in the disputed 2024 elections, Machado has faced a lack of support from Trump, who suggested she lacks popular backing within Venezuela. He remarked, 'I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader,' affirming doubts regarding her credibility in the interim leadership position.

Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize last year, termed the US military's actions as a significant step towards restoring democracy in Venezuela. She has not communicated with Trump this year but acknowledged his role in removing Maduro from power.

The former legislator, who has been in hiding amid ongoing political turmoil, previously supported Edmundo González to assume leadership after Maduro's downfall. Despite her coalition's claims of a landslide victory, Maduro was declared the winner in an election marred by allegations of fraud.

Supporters of the opposition believe that only Machado and González can ensure a successful transition back to democracy. David Smolansky, speaking on behalf of the opposition, emphasized the necessity for their leadership given their respect among Venezuelans and international allies.

Machado openly criticized the new interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, calling her 'one of the main architects of repression' under Maduro. Rodríguez, sworn in as interim leader after Maduro's arrest, contested Trump's claims, insisting that Venezuela is under its own governance.