Caracas:Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has made her return to Venezuela after months of exile in Panama. Machado's return was confirmed through her post on the US social media platform X, where she stated, "I am here. With you." This comes after multiple reported attempts to re-enter the country were previously blocked.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Machado's return has been welcomed by fellow opposition figures and is seen as a significant step toward democratic transition in Venezuela. Edmundo Gonzalez, another opposition figure, expressed his support on X, emphasizing the importance of Machado's leadership in guiding the political transition process. David Smolansky, a senior adviser to Machado, highlighted the return as pivotal for ensuring free and fair presidential elections in the future.

In a statement, Smolansky extended gratitude to several US political figures, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for their leadership and support. Rubio credited the US-supported reconciliation talks for creating the conditions that allowed Machado's return, claiming that these discussions have led to the release of political prisoners and the return of exiled figures. He urged all political factions within Venezuela to support the ongoing dialogue, describing it as the best opportunity for the country in three decades.

Machado, who leads the Vente Venezuela movement and is a recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, had been residing in Panama with the endorsement of President Jose Raul Mulino. Her return comes in the wake of the capture of her rival, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, by US forces in January. The United States has since collaborated with the acting Venezuelan government to promote political reconciliation.