Opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado returned to Venezuela on Sunday, marking her first appearance in the country since December and amid growing doubts about its democratic trajectory and the United States' influence.

Machado announced her arrival via social media, stating, "I am here. With you." She later appeared at a church in Lara, west of Caracas, where she was greeted by applause from supporters.

Another prominent opposition figure, Edmundo González, confirmed Machado's return on X, formerly Twitter, and stated he would soon be by her side. "Today is a very important day for Venezuelans. Our sovereign voice returns with her to lead and guide this process!" he wrote. "You know it, this is until the end."

Machado's return comes after a period of significant political upheaval in Venezuela. Following the U.S. military's deposition of former President Nicolás Maduro in January, the country has been led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, was initially authorized to serve for 90 days but has remained in office without an election being scheduled.

Machado had previously gone into hiding in Venezuela for 11 months in 2025 after being briefly detained following a protest against Maduro's planned swearing-in ceremony. She later resurfaced in Norway, where she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to challenge Maduro's government.

In October 2023, Machado won an opposition primary and intended to run against Maduro in the 2024 presidential election. However, the government barred her from holding office. González subsequently replaced her on the ballot, and while exit polls indicated he defeated Maduro, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner. The period surrounding the election was characterized by widespread repression, including detentions and alleged human rights violations.

In January, Maduro was apprehended by U.S. military forces in Caracas and taken to New York to face drug-related charges, which he denies. The Trump administration's decision to work with Rodríguez for the country's revitalization, rather than Machado, has led to questions among many Venezuelans.

Machado had repeatedly stated her intention to return to Venezuela, reportedly making several unsuccessful attempts. According to her team, one planned charter boat trip was canceled due to the vessel being deemed unfit for navigation, and a flight to Curacao was denied landing permits.

While opposition activists have accused the Venezuelan government of blocking Machado's return, authorities have denied these claims. Some have also raised questions about the Trump administration's involvement in preventing her return. U.S. officials have denied hindering her but have stated they advised against her return on certain occasions due to safety concerns.

Venezuela's highest court ruled that Rodríguez could serve as acting president for up to 90 days, extendable by the National Assembly for another 90 days. However, the ruling party-controlled assembly did not vote to extend her term.

Machado and her allies have been advocating for a presidential election date. Rodríguez indicated in September at the U.N. General Assembly that Venezuelans would determine the "right moment" for the next election. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that economic stabilization and institutional rebuilding are necessary before new elections can be held, but he also affirmed that Machado "has every right to enter her country whenever she wants to return."