Venezuela opposition renews support for Maria Corina Machado as leader
The exiled Nobel laureate has petitioned for new elections in Venezuela and for the country to allow her return.

The exiled Nobel laureate has petitioned for new elections in Venezuela and for the country to allow her return.




![Supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rally to demand her return to the country and immediate elections in Los Teques, Venezuela, on Sunday, September 27, 2026 [Pedro Mattey/AP Photo]](https://aljazeeranews-mggx1uo47w.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AP26270667532092-1790559365.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)




Her lawyers say Flores needs cardiac treatment and recovery facilities a detention centre cannot provide.

Critics call the US multi-billion-dollar oil deal in Venezuela modern-day colonialism.
Former Venezuelan leader was abducted by US forces during a military attack on Caracas in January.
Abducted Venezuelan leader’s post appears to show him in US detention, published two days after US-Venezuela oil deal.

US President Donald Trump has claimed the US and Venezuela have reached the ‘biggest oil deal in world history’.
Pact with Caracas would bolster US oil supplies for years to come, but may face legal challenges.
As detainees granted ‘alternative’ to imprisonment, US welcomes release as crucial step for Venezuela’s reconciliation.

After Maduro’s removal, US influence in Venezuela soared, but experts say Washington may still have to ‘own’ Venezuela.
Both countries have agreed on a plan to restore diplomatic relations cut off after a contested vote in 2024.
Report says 47 percent of physical damage from pair of earthquakes impacted residential buildings.