Who’s María Corina Machado? : NPR

[ad_1] <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8119x5412+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F02%2F49%2F7cd293f1446f94bc91b2f138f989%2Fap25345338366448.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8119x5412+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F02%2F49%2F7cd293f1446f94bc91b2f138f989%2Fap25345338366448.jpg" class="img" alt="Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado speaks during a press conference at the government's representative facilities in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025." fetchpriority="high"/> Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado speaks throughout a press convention on the authorities's consultant services in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. Stian Lysberg Solum/Pool NTB Scanpix through AP cover caption

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Stian Lysberg Solum/Pool NTB Scanpix through AP After the in a single day seize of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse within the capital metropolis of Caracas, questions stay as to who will lead the nation.

Venezuelan opposition chief María Corina Machado, who not too long ago received the Nobel Peace Prize, has known as for Edmundo González, to be acknowledged because the rightful chief of the nation. He was broadly seen because the professional winner of the 2024 presidential election within the nation.

Who's Machado? Machado rose to world prominence final yr along with her win of the distinguished Nobel Peace Prize.

She has been an outspoken critic of Maduro's occasion, the United Socialist Get together of Venezuela (PSUV), because it first received energy below founder Hugo Chávez within the presidential election of 1998. The Nobel committee acknowledged Machado for "her battle to attain a simply and peaceable transition from dictatorship to democracy."

Her full-throated criticisms of Maduro's authoritarian regime has earned her the moniker "Iron Girl" amongst her supporters.

Machado has praised President Trump as his administration carries out lethal strikes within the Caribbean Sea towards Venezuelan boats he has accused of trafficking medication.

She devoted her Nobel Prize to the American president and has repeatedly expressed her help for america' strain marketing campaign towards Maduro, citing crumbling political and financial techniques inside Venezuela which have compelled 20% of its residents to flee the nation.

Regardless of her reputation amongst many Venezuelans, Trump stated on Saturday he had not been in touch with Machado for the reason that army strikes in Caracas and that he didn't see her as a viable candidate to steer the nation.

"I believe it will be very powerful for her to be the chief. She would not have the help inside or the respect throughout the nation," he informed reporters throughout a press convention. "She's a really good girl, however she would not have the respect to be a frontrunner."

Trump stated america would "run" Venezuela till a "correct transition can happen."

Machado on Saturday praised Maduro's seize, writing in a press release that he faces "worldwide justice for the atrocious crimes dedicated towards Venezuelans and towards residents of many different nations."

"Confronted along with his refusal to just accept a negotiated exit, america authorities has fulfilled its promise to uphold the regulation," she wrote.

Machado continued: "We now have fought for years, we have now given all the things, and it has been value it. What needed to occur is going on."

Venezuela held a intently watched presidential election in 2024. Machado was barred by the Maduro regime from working within the race, however she threw her backing behind fellow opposition member González.

Worldwide election watchdogs, together with america, say Maduro manipulated the poll outcomes to be able to steal a 3rd time period in workplace and proceed his dictatorial reign.

On Saturday, Machado known as for Venezuelans to coalesce round González and acknowledge him because the professional president of the beleaguered nation.

"In the present day we're ready to implement our mandate and take energy. Allow us to stay vigilant, lively, and arranged till the Democratic Transition is finalized. A transition that wants ALL of us."

Although Machado has devoted Venezuelan supporters, the previous Venezuelan Nationwide Meeting legislator has been banned by Maduro's authorities from working for workplace and was compelled into hiding till a latest escape — aided by U.S. army veterans — efficiently extracted her to Europe.