Return home

By: Pedro Corzo - 04/11/2026

Guest columnist.
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I am very happy with the return to Venezuela of María Corina Machado, an exemplary citizen whom many of us admire and who perfectly embodies this phrase of the Liberator about women: “More sublime are you in your generous patriotism, you have taken up the lance; you have placed yourselves in the ranks and ask to die for the homeland.”

The welcome she received from the people was more than deserved. Thousands awaited her with cries of "Freedom!" The best protection she could have hoped for was that trust and the renewed popular hope that change was just around the corner.

This woman's life's work is admirable. Her willingness to give everything for the sake of her country is moving; she has been an inspiration to the Venezuelan people for her tenacity and willingness to take whatever risks were necessary. She is the example that Caracas set, the one to which the Venezuelan national anthem refers.

I have mentioned on more than one occasion that the Venezuelan journalist and dear friend, Alexis Ortiz, said during a conference—at that time she was being persecuted by Hugo Chávez—: “María Corina will be the president of all Venezuelans by popular election at some point in our future.” A prediction that I have no doubt will come true, because every day this woman earns more and more respect and admiration from everyone.

It is hoped that María Corina's presence in Venezuela—the title "Iron Lady" hardly does her justice—will accelerate the process toward democracy. Her willingness to engage in dialogue with President Delcy Rodríguez about the nation's situation reaffirms her long-standing commitment to doing whatever is necessary for her country.

For her part, Ms. Rodríguez, an ally of Nicolás Maduro, has referred to Machado's return with disdain, saying that the spectacle of her arrival could have been avoided, while questioning her potential participation in the dialogue that her regime is holding with the opposition, saying: "dialogue is something very serious and requires a lot of experience," as if she were a promoter of dialogue and understanding, when in reality she has behaved all the time like the autocrat that she is.

The leader's discourse, contrary to that of the enemies of Venezuelan democracy, does not incite hatred or revenge; it praises love for family, vehemently demands the reunification of the country, recognizes the citizens who do not cease in demanding that their rights be respected, is in favor of healthy understanding, pays tribute to political prisoners and promotes the return of exiles, particularly the youth, the source that guarantees survival.

These last two aspects are sometimes downplayed by political leaders fighting within their own country's borders. Apparently, the urgency of the struggle consumes them, and they believe that prisoners and exile are irrelevant—a grave mistake.

Prison is a crucible of conscience. Most prisoners, when they leave jail, are better citizens, more committed to the cause, and better prepared to face the demands that arise. For their part, the exiles—those who resist the temptations of a risk-free life, who are not seduced by a soft mattress, who only find the shores of exile beautiful when they say goodbye—demonstrate a commitment that has overcome numerous temptations.

I am certain that, under the leadership of María Corina Machado and with the support of her followers, the homeland of Simón Bolívar will reclaim the best of its past. I hope it will once again become a country of tolerance, understanding, and public debate, where political adversaries would conclude their discussions over coffee or something stronger; a country where prosperity reigns and where it returns to being a land ready to welcome all, as it was in my own experience.

In Venezuela, I met refugees from numerous countries, exiles motivated by different, sometimes antagonistic, causes. There were countless of us "musiú" (a derogatory term for Venezuelans), but I never felt discriminated against, although I had many arguments because there was no shortage of Venezuelans and refugees from other countries who defended Castroism as if it were a panacea, until Hugo Chávez came along. Then they realized the great swindle they had been supporting.

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