Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Marks Birthday Amid Political Disqualification
Caracas – María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, celebrated her 58th birthday on October 7, 2025, while facing political restrictions imposed by the Nicolás Maduro governance. Despite being barred from holding public office, Machado continues to be a focal point of resistance against the current government.
Numerous organizations and individuals expressed support for Machado on her birthday. The Convzla command lauded her “courage and determination,” stating they “have become the lighthouse that guides the path to democracy and freedom. That the celebration of your life is the preamble of free Venezuela!”
Human rights activist Tamara Suju shared a personal message, acknowledging Machado’s challenges while praising her strength: “I know of her loneliness, but also of her spiritual strength. May God bless you, dear friend, and give you internal health and peace.Here we are, until the end.” Suju also posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing admiration and commitment to fighting alongside Machado for a “free, sovereign Venezuela.”
VZLA organization,Tierra de Gracia,recognized Machado’s “courage,firmness and commitment to the freedom of Venezuela inspire millions,” celebrating her “tireless struggle for democracy and human rights.” Hundreds of supporters took to social media to offer encouragement and congratulations.
Machado, born in Caracas on October 7, 1967, is an industrial engineer and human rights activist. She founded the Vente Venezuela political movement and co-founded the Civil Association Sumate. In 2010, she was elected to the National Assembly, receiving the highest number of votes nationwide.
In the 2023 primary elections of the unitary platform, Machado secured over 90% of the votes – a historic result for a woman in Venezuelan politics. However, the Maduro administration has maintained a political disqualification preventing her participation in the 2024 presidential elections. Following her disqualification, Machado initially supported Corina Yoris and then Edmundo González, who ran in elections widely considered fraudulent by the international community.
In 2024, Machado was awarded the Václav havel Prize for Human Rights by the Council of Europe, becoming the first Latin American recipient of the honor.
