Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the opposition of attempting to impose María Corina Machado as the country’s leader by force, claiming without evidence that foreign actors plan to bring her to Venezuela “on a warship.” He made the remarks during the virtual XXV Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA).
Comparison to Juan Guaidó
Maduro likened Machado to former opposition figure Juan Guaidó, who was recognized by the United States and several allies as interim president in 2019. He alleged that Machado and other opposition leaders are part of a criminal network and accused them of profiting from human trafficking, offering no proof to support the claims.
Claims of Economic Recovery and Migrant Returns
In his address, Maduro asserted that Venezuela’s economy is rebounding, saying growth has resumed. He also claimed that nearly 1.4 million of the 2.4 million Venezuelans who migrated abroad have returned to the country, according to local outlet Caraota Digital.
Deportation Flights and U.S. Repatriation Program
Maduro said deportation flights from the United States are continuing under an existing repatriation agreement and expressed hope that the program would remain in place for the long term.
Renewed Attacks on Machado
The comments follow Maduro’s recent criticism of Machado after she reappeared publicly abroad following months in hiding inside Venezuela. He previously accused her of encouraging foreign intervention and backing U.S. actions against the country, including the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker.
Detention of Opposition Party Official
As tensions escalated, Venezuelan security forces detained Melquiades Pulido García, a senior member of Vente Venezuela, the party led by Machado. The party said agents detained Pulido in Caracas without a judicial warrant and did not disclose his whereabouts.
Health Concerns and Calls for Release
Vente Venezuela warned that Pulido, 70, suffers from Parkinson’s disease and a blood clotting disorder requiring continuous medical care. The party described his detention as a forced disappearance and demanded his immediate release.
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