Venezuela is facing major political changes following the return of opposition leader María Corina Machado after 10 months abroad. Her return drew large crowds of supporters as the country’s relationship with the United States continues to shift.

Machado left Venezuela in December last year to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway. Her return journey from the western state of Lara to Caracas attracted supporters who gathered along the roads to welcome her.

Much has changed since her departure. Former President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power by US troops on January 3 and taken to New York, where he faces drug, weapons and torture charges. Maduro has pleaded not guilty. His former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, subsequently took over the government.

The political transition has also changed relations between Venezuela and the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration has developed closer ties with Rodríguez’s government, including through a major oil agreement.

Machado has criticised the oil deal negotiated between Caracas and Washington. However, she has directed her criticism towards the Venezuelan government and businessman Alejandro Betancourt rather than Trump, whose support she hopes to maintain.

Despite these developments, Machado continues to attract considerable public support. Political analyst Benigno Alarcón described her return as a significant moment because it places a leading opposition figure back inside the country.

Research by political think tanks Polis and Nexo found that Venezuela recorded three times as many street protests during the first nine months of this year as throughout 2025. Demonstrations addressed political concerns, working conditions and water supplies. The research also indicated that authorities had reduced the repression of protests by more than half.

Machado’s return comes amid talks between Venezuela’s government and opposition, with Washington supporting efforts towards a negotiated political solution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US-backed reconciliation talks helped make her safe return possible.

However, Machado still faces charges in Venezuela, including treason and conspiracy to incite insurrection. She and her supporters have rejected the allegations as politically motivated.

Rodríguez dismissed Machado’s return as a “show”, while state television ignored the event. Nevertheless, she indicated that talks with the opposition leader could take place.

Machado’s return marks an important development in Venezuela’s changing political landscape. Questions remain about the opposition’s role, relations with Washington and the country’s future direction.