• Maria Corina Machado declares the "hour of freedom" following Maduro's capture by U.S. forces.
• She insists that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia must assume the presidency amid transitioning power dynamics.
• Trump suggests Machado lacks the domestic support to lead Venezuela, favoring discussions with Maduro's vice president.
• Machado's recent letter emphasizes her commitment to restoring order and seeking justice for Maduro's actions.
• Her rise in visibility comes after winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 and escaping Venezuela to Norway.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has re-emerged into the global spotlight as she declared that the "hour of freedom" has arrived for Venezuela after the U.S. claimed to have captured Nicolás Maduro, the country's long-time leader. In her public address, she expressed hope that Maduro would face "international justice for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and against citizens of many other nations," marking a pivotal moment in the country’s tumultuous political landscape, according to CBS News and Le Monde.

Machado, who has remained in hiding for much of the last year, stated that "the time for freedom has come!" in her letter to the Venezuelan people. She called for the immediate recognition of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition-determined winner of the 2024 election, as president. "Today we are ready to assert our mandate and take power," she proclaimed, highlighting her intent to lead a democratic transition in Venezuela, according to CBS News and Le Monde.

Despite Machado's enthusiasm, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism regarding her leadership potential, stating she lacks the necessary respect and support within Venezuela. He suggested a willingness to work with Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, instead. Machado's alignment with Trump has drawn mixed reactions, even as she celebrated her Nobel Peace Prize win for her advocacy for democracy, according to Le Monde.

Machado's call for organized action among Venezuelans emphasizes unity in pursuing democratic ideals while overcoming the challenges posed by the previous regime. Her insistence on global engagement for reconstructing the nation post-Maduro reflects a strategic approach to harness international pressure, tapping into a growing sentiment for change in Venezuela, according to India Times and India Times.