“We will not leave the streets!” opposition leader María Corina Machado proclaimed defiantly on a day of protests in Caracas against President Nicolás Maduro, who was pleased to see the “Chavista people” backing his questionable re-election. The opposition claims victory for its candidate Edmundo González Urrutia and describes Maduro’s re-election as fraudulent. Maduro has also urged his supporters to rally throughout the country.
“Today we are stronger than ever; the voice of the people is respected,” Machado declared to the crowd in Caracas. “What strength and joy it brings when the Chavista people take to the streets,” Maduro remarked. The National Electoral Council (CNE) has yet to release a detailed tally, stating that the automated voting system faced a “cyber-terrorist attack.” The president urged the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) to “certify” the election results, as it has been accused of biased decisions favoring the government.
This is what the streets of Venezuela look like. | Photo: AFP
“We are not going to leave the streets!”
Machado emerged from hiding shortly after the election, fearing for her life, to participate in the protests. She arrived on a motorbike, donning a hooded sweater that she removed only when she reached the truck that serves as a platform at opposition events. The evacuation was complicated as they navigated evading suspected intelligence service vehicles.
While there is no official arrest warrant against her, Maduro has already called for both her and González Urrutia to be imprisoned. The truck employed by the opposition during their rallies was seized by the police following Saturday’s event. “We will not leave the streets!” Machado emphasized in her speech. “With intelligence, prudence, resilience, audacity, and peacefully, as violence serves their interests (…). Peaceful protest is our right.”
COVER 2199 | Photo: WEEK
“In a cave”
The opposition candidate did not participate in the protests. He has not been seen in public since July 30. “Where is Edmundo González Urrutia hiding?!” Maduro queried. “He is hiding in a cave. And he is preparing to flee Venezuela.” Like Machado, he has been in hiding since authorities launched a criminal investigation against both for “inciting rebellion,” among other charges.
Nicolás Maduro assured that María Corina Machado has a satanic pact with Elon Musk | Photo: Capture: X account @EmmaRincon
In a video shared on social media, he stated that the protests on Saturday “are a force that will ensure the decision for change is respected.” The opposition’s call resonated in over 300 cities worldwide, reflecting the nearly 8 million-strong Venezuelan diaspora, ranging from Colombia and Argentina to Australia, including the United States and Europe.
Thousands of Venezuelans demonstrated in various cities in Spain, where an estimated 280,000 Venezuelans reside. Additionally, protests were held in Puerta del Sol in Madrid, which was filled with demonstrators. “We must defend the votes. Enough is enough. They cannot steal our country from us,” David Bautista told AFP, gathering with hundreds of his fellow countrymen in the central Plaza de Lourdes in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, which hosts the largest number of Venezuelan migrants.
For María Corina Machado, this has been a powerful social and cultural movement. “I believe it is the most powerful one that has emerged in Venezuela for generations.” | Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images
In Buenos Aires, thousands of Venezuelans gathered in a plaza in the Recoleta neighborhood. “We have faith that we will rid ourselves of the dictatorship,” said Andreina Escalante, 34, during the protest.
“Maduro remains firm”
Maduro’s march concluded at the Miraflores presidential palace. “I can say with absolute certainty that we won again because peace has triumphed,” the president stated, promising to “confront mafias and corrupt individuals” and “change the system of government” during his next term (2025-2031).
Maduro “is stronger today than ever; I am here supporting him,” stated Aurimar Nieves, 46, a community leader.
The United States, the European Union (EU), and several Latin American countries have not recognized the official election results. Brazil and Colombia are spearheading efforts to find a political resolution to the crisis and have proposed redoing the elections, a suggestion rejected by both the Chavistas and the opposition.
“We Will Not Leave the Streets!”: Protests Erupt in Venezuela Amid Controversial Presidential Election
“We will not leave the streets!” defiantly promised opposition leader María Corina Machado during a Saturday of protests in Caracas, which were aimed at President Nicolás Maduro. These protests follow what the opposition claims to be a fraudulent re-election of Maduro, who joyously remarked about support from the “Chavez people.” The opposition has declared victory for its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia.
“Today we have more strength than ever, the voice of the people is respected,” Machado passionately told the crowd during the Caracas protests. Conversely, Maduro expressed pride in the Chavista support, asserting, “What strength and what joy when the Chavista people take to the streets.” The National Electoral Council (CNE) has yet to release detailed election results, claiming the automated voting system had been attacked by “cyber-terrorism.” Maduro has called upon the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) to validate the election results, which critics have accused of favoring his government.
This is what the streets of Venezuela look like. | Photo: AFP
“We Are Not Going to Leave the Streets!”
Machado, emerging from hiding shortly after the elections for fear of violence, arrived on a motorbike, donning a hooded sweater. She only removed it once she was safely on a truck that serves as a platform for opposition rallies. Authorities made the evacuation complex by allegedly monitoring her movements with intelligence service vehicles.
While there is currently no official arrest warrant against her, Maduro has publicly called for both her and Edmundo González Urrutia to be imprisoned. The truck utilized by the opposition team for their rallies was taken by police following the protest event. “We will not leave the streets!” warned Machado in her speech. “With intelligence, with prudence, with resilience, with audacity and peacefully, because violence suits them. Peaceful protest is our right.”
COVER 2199 | Photo: WEEK
“In a Cave”
Meanwhile, the opposition candidate, González Urrutia, notably did not participate in the Caracas protest. He has maintained a low profile and has not appeared publicly since July 30. Maduro mockingly asked, “Where is Edmundo González Urrutia hiding? He is hiding in a cave. And he is preparing to escape from Venezuela.” Both Machado and González are under scrutiny due to a criminal investigation initiated against them for charges such as “inciting rebellion.”
Nicolás Maduro assured that María Corina Machado has a satanic pact with Elon Musk | Photo: Capture: X account @EmmaRincon
In a video shared on social media, Maduro claimed that the protests represent “a force that will make the decision for change respected.” The opposition mobilization extended to over 300 cities worldwide, showcasing the vast Venezuelan diaspora, almost 8 million strong, residing in countries ranging from Colombia to Australia and the United States to numerous European nations.
Thousands of Venezuelans also demonstrated in various Spanish cities, where approximately 280,000 Venezuelans reside. The central Puerta del Sol in Madrid witnessed a significant gathering. “We have to defend the votes. Enough is enough. They cannot steal our country from us,” asserted David Bautista, who was among hundreds gathered in Bogotá’s Plaza de Lourdes.
For María Corina Machado, this has been a powerful social and cultural movement. “I think it has been the most powerful one there has been in Venezuela for generations.” | Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images
In Buenos Aires, thousands gathered in the Recoleta neighborhood, with protester Andreina Escalante, 34, expressing, “We have faith that we will get rid of the dictatorship.”
“Maduro Remains Firm”
As Maduro’s pro-government march concluded at the Miraflores presidential palace, he confidently claimed, “I can say, with absolute certainty, we won again because peace won.” During his next term (2025-2031), Maduro promised to confront mafias, corrupt figures, and change the government system.
Supporter Aurimar Nieves, 46, reaffirmed, “Maduro is still strong today more than ever, I am here supporting him.” As for the official election results, both the United States and the European Union (EU), along with several Latin American nations, have not acknowledged them. Brazil and Colombia are spearheading efforts to find a political solution to Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, advocating for new elections—an idea rejected by both the Chavista and opposition factions.
