Finance
Venezuela's Machado Says Spanish PM's Leftist Summit Reason for Not Meeting Him
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 18, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 18, 2026
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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado declined a meeting with Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez during her April 2026 visit, citing his hosting of a progressive summit in Barcelona as making the meeting inappropriate.
Maria Corina Machado Declines Meeting With Spain's Prime Minister Over Barcelona Summit
Background and Details of the Refusal
MADRID, April 18 (Reuters) - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Saturday the reason she declined a meeting with Spain's prime minister during her visit to the country was him hosting a summit of progressive leaders in Barcelona.
Political Context
The refusal from Machado, a right-wing liberal, to meet with the leftist coalition government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez contrasts with her many encounters with the country's right-wing opposition to Sanchez.
Machado's Statement
"What has transpired in the past few hours at the meeting he held in Barcelona with various political leaders from different countries is proof that such a meeting was not advisable," Machado told an event in Madrid.
Media Coverage
(Reporting by Corina Pons; Writing by David Latona; Editing by Louise Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Machado rejected the meeting because Sánchez was convening a summit of progressive leaders in Barcelona, branding it inadvisable (cadenaser.com).
- •Her decision underscores ideological polarization: she met Spain’s right‑wing opposition but avoided engagement with the leftist Spanish government (krro.com).
- •Machado’s visit also included meetings with Spain’s right‑wing parties and a major Venezuelan‑diaspora event in Madrid (mundoamerica.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuela's Machado says Spanish PM's leftist summit reason for not meeting him
1Why did Maria Corina Machado refuse to meet with Spain's prime minister?
She declined the meeting due to the prime minister hosting a summit of progressive leaders in Barcelona.
2Who is Maria Corina Machado?
Maria Corina Machado is a right-wing liberal and Venezuelan opposition leader.
3What event was Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hosting in Barcelona?
Pedro Sanchez was hosting a summit of progressive leaders from various countries.
4Where did Maria Corina Machado make her statement?
She made her statement at an event in Madrid.
5How does Machado's position differ from Spain's current government?
Machado is aligned with right-wing politics, contrasting with Spain's leftist coalition government.
