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Maria Corina Is Back in Venezuela: What Changes?

Her presence on Venezuelan soil changes the political landscape. The election date is once again a focus of attention in the country.

By Gerardo Arreola (Confidencial)

HAVANA TIMES – For María Corina Machado, the eighth time was the charm, not the third. Seven times before, she had tried to return to Venezuela, but opaque decisions or unexpected mechanical problems thwarted flights and logistical arrangements.

Last Sunday marked the end of her ten-month exile, amid public demonstrations that showed, as opinion polls also indicate, that her ability to mobilize supporters remains very strong.

Just as she had previously been unable to board planes or boats, she was now given the green light by the US government.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the chain of command in a message describing Machado’s return as a “direct result of US-backed reconciliation talks.”

He was referring to the negotiating table between the government, represented by Jorge Rodriguez (president of the National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez), and part of the opposition, led by Dinorah Figuera (president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly elected in 2015).

Why did the United States agree to allow the opposition leader to return now rather than earlier? One hypothesis is the proximity of the........

© Havana Times