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Spain's Sanchez Says Venezuela's Machado Declined to Meet Him
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 17, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 17, 2026
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Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez revealed that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declined a meeting during her visit to Spain, deeming it "not opportune.", despite her engagements with Spain’s right-wing figures; Sánchez reaffirmed his openness to meet her anytime.
Venezuelan Leader Machado Declines Meeting with Spain's PM Sanchez During Visit
Machado's Visit to Spain and Political Implications
Declined Meeting with Prime Minister Sanchez
BARCELONA, April 17 (Reuters) - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was offered a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his government during her visit to Spain but she declined because she did not consider it "opportune", Sanchez said on Friday.
Contrasts in Political Engagements
Machado's lack of contact with any members of Spain's leftist coalition government contrasts with her planned encounters with the country's right-wing opposition to Sanchez.
Sanchez's Response and Openness
The prime minister said he was nonetheless happy to meet with the 2025 Nobel Peace laureate whenever she wanted.
"Our doors are open to all (Venezuelan) opposition leaders," Sanchez said, underlining that many of them were living in exile in Spain.
International Perspective on Venezuela's Future
Sanchez, speaking at a press conference alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after a bilateral meeting, said Venezuela's future needed to be democratically decided by its citizens without any foreign interference.
Machado's International Advocacy
Machado has held talks with world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron since leaving Venezuela, where she had been in hiding.
She has been lobbying for the Venezuelan opposition to be given a role in determining the country's future after the U.S. ousted longtime leader Nicolas Maduro in January.
Meetings with Spanish Opposition Leaders
Encounters with Conservative and Far-Right Parties
Earlier on Friday, Machado met with the leader of the conservative People's Party, Alberto Nunez Feijoo. Later in the day, she is set to hold a joint news conference with Santiago Abascal, head of far-right party Vox.
Upcoming Events in Madrid
Recognition from Regional and City Leaders
On Saturday, Machado will be welcomed by the regional leader of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, one of Sanchez's fiercest critics.
Ayuso will bestow the region's gold medal on Machado, while Madrid's Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida - also of the PP - will hand her the keys to the city ahead of a rally with Venezuelan supporters.
(Reporting by Joan Faus; Writing by David Latona; Editing by Aislinn Laing, Charlie Devereux and Nia Williams)
Key Takeaways
- •María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, declined a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during her visit to Spain, stating it was not "opportune." (euronews.com)
- •Her absence from government-level talks underscores her alignment with Spain’s right-wing opposition—meeting with PP leader Feijóo and Vox’s Abascal, and being honored by Madrid’s regional leadership instead. (euronews.com)
- •Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2025 for her efforts safeguarding democratic rights in Venezuela; she has toured globally—including a high-profile Vatican visit early this year—solidifying her international standing as a democracy advocate. (time.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Spain's Sanchez says Venezuela's Machado declined to meet him
1Why did Maria Corina Machado decline a meeting with Spain's Prime Minister?
Machado declined the meeting, stating she did not consider it 'opportune' at this time.
2Who did Maria Corina Machado meet with during her visit to Spain?
Machado met with leaders of Spain's right-wing opposition and planned encounters with officials like Alberto Nunez Feijoo and Santiago Abascal.
3What was Sanchez's response to Machado declining the meeting?
Prime Minister Sanchez said he remains open to meeting Machado and all Venezuelan opposition leaders in the future.
4What activities did Machado participate in during her visit to Madrid?
Machado will receive Madrid's gold medal, the city's keys, and hold a rally with Venezuelan supporters.
5What message did Sanchez emphasize regarding Venezuela's future?
Sanchez stressed that Venezuela's future should be determined democratically by its citizens, without foreign interference.