Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated that she will assume the Presidency of Venezuela "when the time comes," and maintained that the country's political future will depend on the popular will expressed in free elections.

From exile, the opposition leader assessed the effects of international pressure, especially from the United States and President Donald Trump, on the government of Nicolas Maduro.

In an interview with the US network CBS, Machado asserted that the Venezuelan government has begun to take “visible steps” as a direct consequence of the measures adopted by Washington. In her view, the ruling party is acting under the pressure of the hardening of US policy and not out of a genuine conviction for democratic change.

Cases of political prisoners continue

However, the opposition leader warned that the progress is insufficient and that social discontent continues to grow. Although the government announced the release of detainees, Machado pointed out that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated, including military personnel, which, she asserted, demonstrates a lack of genuine will for political openness. Machado also expressed skepticism toward key figures in Chavismo and warned about the regime's international alliances with powers such as Russia, Iran, China, and Cuba, as well as armed organizations and criminal networks. In this context, she considered that dismantling the current power structure will require a complex and carefully controlled process to guarantee a democratic transition. The opposition leader expressed confidence that this process will conclude with general elections that will allow for the renewal of all public offices, from the National Assembly to the Presidency. “The end result will be the same,” she stated, noting that the interests of the Venezuelan people coincide with the current position of the U.S. government. At the regional level,Machado asserted that a potential liberation of Venezuela would have repercussions beyond its borders and could weaken other governments allied with Chavismo. She also defended the reform to privatize the oil industry, considering it a sign of a break with the socialist model and a commitment to investment and economic openness. Finally, regarding a possible return to the country, the opposition leader maintained that she does not believe the regime would dare attempt to harm her today, due to international scrutiny and presence. She explained that this protection did not exist when she left Venezuela, a time when, she affirmed, she faced extreme risk.