The leader of the anti-Chavista opposition, María Corina Machado, returns to Venezuela

María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has returned to Venezuela after ten months of forced exile. Her return follows multiple failed attempts and comes after the fall of Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by U.S. forces. Despite Maduro's removal, the Chavista regime continues under interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who has gained U.S. recognition by opening the oil sector and releasing some political prisoners. Machado's return may strain U.S.-Venezuela relations, as she has been excluded from negotiations for elections and has called for mobilizations demanding electoral dates. Recent polls suggest significant support for her among Venezuelans.