On Sunday, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declared that Colombia's stability is intricately tied to the events unfolding in Venezuela. She expressed skepticism about Delcy Rodríguez's administration's commitment to tackling the illegal armed groups operating along the shared border.
In an interview with the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, Machado was unequivocal: “Only with democracy and freedom in Venezuela will there be peace and prosperity in Colombia.”
Operating from Panama after leaving Venezuela clandestinely in December 2025, Machado emphasized the intertwined destinies of the two nations, noting that Colombia hosts over 2.8 million Venezuelans, many eager to return home.
She proposed a coordinated effort between the military forces of both countries to confront the illegal groups active in the border region. This proposal gains importance as, according to her, the chavista regime lacks genuine willingness to collaborate on this issue.
Addressing energy concerns, Machado called for the repair of the Antonio Ricaurte gas pipeline, a 225-kilometer infrastructure connecting Colombia's La Guajira to Venezuela’s Zulia state, inactive since 2015. While both governments have initiated a roadmap for its rehabilitation, the Andean Development Corporation estimates that reactivation needs a minimum investment of $66 million.
Machado praised Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August 2026, as an "ally of the Venezuelan people and democracy." She asserted that a democratic transition in Venezuela would directly benefit Colombia, particularly concerning border security and migration pressures.
Her statements follow reports of her exclusion from negotiations between the chavista government and opposition factions, facilitated by Washington. The State Department, however, clarified that her party, Vente Venezuela, was indeed invited to participate in those talks.
Machado continues to stress the urgency of setting a date for presidential elections. At the beginning of October, she demanded that elections be held within the next twelve months, endorsing July 24, 2027, as a possible date. In contrast, Rodríguez's government has only promised elections when Venezuela is "ready," without providing a specific timeline.
Having made at least seven failed attempts to return to Venezuela since late June, Machado vowed to return to the country "sooner than they imagine," though she did not specify an exact date.
The Future of Venezuela and Colombia's Stability
How does María Corina Machado view the relationship between Colombia and Venezuela?
María Corina Machado believes that Colombia's peace and prosperity are directly linked to the establishment of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
What proposal did Machado make regarding border security?
Machado proposed coordinating the military forces of both Colombia and Venezuela to address the illegal armed groups along their border.
What are the energy concerns raised by Machado?
Machado highlighted the need to repair the Antonio Ricaurte gas pipeline, which connects Colombia and Venezuela and has been inactive since 2015.
Has Machado been involved in the negotiations between the Venezuelan government and opposition?
While Machado reported being excluded from the negotiations, the U.S. State Department stated that her party was invited to participate.