Venezuelan Opposition Leader Calls for Coalition Leadership Following Maduro's Ouster

Thu Jan 08 2026 22:03:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

María Corina Machado states her coalition must assume the leadership of Venezuela after the recent US military action against Nicolás Maduro.

In the aftermath of the US military's intervention in Venezuela resulting in Nicolás Maduro's arrest, opposition leader María Corina Machado has claimed that her coalition is best suited to lead the country. While expressing gratitude to US President Trump for his assistance, Machado criticized the current interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, claiming a lack of trust in her capability to govern. Despite her coalition's claims of victory in the disputed 2024 elections, Trump has been hesitant to back Machado, questioning her support within Venezuela.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has asserted that her coalition should be in control of the country following the United States' recent ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. In an interview with CBS, she emphasized, We are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated. Machado expressed her gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his military intervention, which led to Maduro's arrest, but expressed distrust in the interim leadership now established.

Post-Maduro, Machado's coalition claimed victory in the 2024 elections; however, Trump has publicly questioned her popularity, stating she lacks widespread support among citizens. Machado, who has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, characterized the US military operation as a vital step towards revitalizing democracy and prosperity in Venezuela.

Despite her appeals, Trump has dismissed her as a viable successor, noting, I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn't have the support or respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect. Machado's previous call for Edmundo González to lead post-Maduro has been echoed by other opposition figures, asserting that they could facilitate a democratic transition.

Currently, Machado opposes the leadership of Delcy Rodríguez, asserting that she is untrustworthy and has played a role in systemic repression. Rodríguez, sworn in recently, continues to assert the legitimacy of her presidency amidst the tensions presented by the US intervention.