Opposition leader María Corina Machado, recently awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, reappeared publicly in Oslo, Norway, after months in hiding and a perilous journey out of Venezuela. From Europe, she issued a strong message about the country’s situation: “Venezuela has already been invaded from within.” His statements seek to place a new diagnosis of the Venezuelan crisis and the role of foreign and criminal actors within the country on the international agenda.
Official reception in Norway and first message to the world
Early on Thursday, Machado was received at the Norwegian Parliament by the President of the Storting, Masud Gharahkhani, who offered her a guided tour of the facilities. After the meeting, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate stated:
«The world supports us, and we are not alone. This is a decisive moment».
His arrival in Oslo took place in the early hours of the morning, after a secret operation that included crossing land borders, traveling by boat to Curaçao, and taking a private flight to Norway.
“The real invasion is inside Venezuela,” Machado says
During her public appearance, María Corina Machado asserted that the narrative that Venezuela faces external threats has been superseded. In her view, “the invasion has already happened,” and it’s not military but criminal.
According to the opposition leader:
- Russian and Iranian agents are operating within the territory.
- Terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas operate freely.
- The Colombian guerrilla is actively present.
- Drug cartels control 60% of the population.
- Human trafficking, prostitution, and drug trafficking networks operate in collusion with the Nicolás Maduro regime.
Machado states that this convergence has turned the country into «the center of crime in America».
A regime sustained by a system of repression funded by illicit activities
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate explained that the Nicolás Maduro government’s continued hold on power rests on a repressive apparatus structured and fueled by illegal activities:
«The regime is sustained by drug trafficking money, the black market for oil, arms trafficking, and human trafficking».
Their proposal to weaken Maduro’s regime is clear: cut off the financial flows of organized crime.
«Once these resources are cut off and the repression weakens, it’s over. All that’s left for the regime is violence and terror».
Call to the international community: Dismantle the networks that sustain the regime
Machado called for global support to cut off the resources that fuel the regimes and criminal organizations allied with Maduro.
«Venezuela has become a haven for illegal groups operating in Latin America. We need the international community to act».
In the presence of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, he expressed “great hope” that Venezuela will be free and will once again be able to welcome back all Venezuelans who have emigrated.
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An emotional reunion after a year and a half apart from her family
Machado also spoke about the difficulty and danger of leaving the country while being pursued. After her appearance in Oslo, she was able to reunite with her family after a year and a half apart.
«I’ve never felt as close to my children as I have in the past few months, even tho I haven’t been able to hug them».
She thanked those who risked their lives to bring her out of hiding.
An emotional message about peace, freedom, and democracy
The Venezuelan opposition leader appeared on the balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, where she was greeted with shouts of “Freedom!” and “President!” Later, she met privately with her family after a year and a half apart.
She described her departure from Venezuela as “very difficult and extremely dangerous,” highlighting the support of those who risked their lives to help her escape.
Norway as an example and the dream of a “free Venezuela”
Machado expressed his admiration for the Norwegian democratic model and stated that Venezuela can once again become a country of opportunity.
«We will turn Venezuela into an energy, technology, and democratic hub for the Americas. And it will be soon».
Donald Trump’s warning to the Maduro regime
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, reacted to the possibility that Machado could be arrested if she returns to her country.
The president warned: «I wouldn’t be happy with that».
Machado confirmed that Washington collaborated in her departure from Venezuela, reinforcing the idea that her case has become an international diplomatic priority.
