María Corina Machado Makes Three More Failed Attempts to Return to Venezuela

Opposition leader María Corina Machado tried three separate times within 24 hours to re-enter Venezuela — first by boat, then a flight toward Aruba, then another air route toward Curaçao (with Bonaire also considered) — bringing her total to seven failed attempts since she left the country in December 2025 to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. Adviser Pedro Urruchurtu said 'they are not allowing her to return to her own country,' describing 'three attempts, by maritime and air routes, from Panama, without success'; journalist Idania Chirinos reported authorities canceled the initial boat trip, citing 'mechanical problems.' The attempts coincided with Rodríguez's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly and meeting with Trump. Machado's team said she is planning a public return with supporters coordinating civilian security, as part of a broader plan to tour Venezuela's 23 states and press for a new presidential election. The US State Department has publicly recognized her right to return.