Caracas: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated Tuesday that her movement is the legitimate choice to lead the country following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the US, even as rival authorities consolidate power in Caracas. In an interview with CBS, Machado emphasized that after Maduro was captured in a US military operation early last week, 'the people of Venezuela have already chosen' who should govern the country.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, when asked if she should assume national leadership, Machado affirmed: 'Absolutely yes,' noting that her coalition was prepared to take responsibility. She declared, 'We are ready and willing to serve our people, as we have been mandated.' Machado, a former lawmaker barred from running in Venezuela's disputed 2024 presidential election, endorsed veteran diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez as her coalition's candidate. The US and several other governments later recognized Gonzalez as president-elect, citing allegations of vote manipulation by the Maduro government.

Despite Machado's assertions of popular support, her return to Venezuela and any formal leadership role remain unclear. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who served as Maduro's vice president, has been sworn in and currently holds executive authority. Machado dismissed Rodriguez as 'nothing like a moderate,' expressing that 'nobody trusts her,' and highlighting her central role in the previous government.

Machado also addressed remarks by US political figures questioning her leadership prospects. After President Donald Trump commented, 'She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect,' Machado thanked him for authorizing the operation that led to Maduro's capture. 'President Trump's leadership and courage has brought Nicolas Maduro to face justice and this is huge,' she remarked. 'This is a major step towards restoring prosperity and rule of law and democracy in Venezuela.'