Venezuelan opposition: Machado returns to earthquake zone

María Corina Machado is set to hold her first press conference in Venezuela since her return to the country. The opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate is scheduled to speak to media at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday. Her party, Vente Venezuela, shared this timeline, generating anticipation regarding the topics she will cover in this initial public appearance.

Machado arrived back in Venezuela on Sunday after several failed attempts to enter the nation. Upon her arrival, she led a vehicle convoy from the western state of Lara to the capital, Caracas. This marked her first public appearance in the country. Since returning, she has met with members of her own party, the Plataforma Unitaria Democrática, and the Alianza por Venezuela. She also visited families of political prisoners and victims of human rights violations.

On Wednesday, the former deputy traveled to the coastal state of La Guaira. This region was the hardest hit by the double earthquake that occurred on June 24. Machado toured various sectors of the area to meet with residents affected by the disaster. Her campaign team, Comando con Venezuela, released photos and videos of the visit on X.

The team stated that Machado’s priority from the first day was to be in the state, which was formerly known as Vargas. They noted that she inspected the destruction caused by the events of June 24 firsthand. "Ver de cerca las heridas de nuestra tierra duele, pero abrazar a cada familia, escuchar su dolor, sus historias y su determinación para salir adelante reafirma un solo compromiso: no dejarlos solos," the team added in a statement.

The visit follows the June 24 earthquakes, which caused extensive damage in the northern coastal areas. Machado’s presence in the region aims to connect with those recovering from the natural disaster. Her upcoming address will be the first formal media interaction she has held since re-entering Venezuela. The meeting is expected to draw attention from both domestic and international observers.