In Spain, numerous Venezuelan exiles, including prominent opposition figures and citizens, have long awaited the departure of ousted president Nicolás Maduro from power. Xiomara Sierra, a vocal critic who fled Venezuela after facing threats following the 2024 elections, expressed concerns about the current interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, whom she views as a tool of repression for the Venezuelan government.
The exodus of Venezuelans to Spain has been driven by the oppressive tactics of the Maduro regime. Approximately 400,000 Venezuelan migrants now call Spain home, drawn by shared language, cultural affinities, and favorable migration policies.
Sierra, now serving as a spokesperson for opposition leader María Corina Machado in Spain, is among the few exile voices speaking out following the recent American operation that captured Maduro. She stresses the need for the release of all political prisoners and the closure of torture centers in Venezuela for genuine change to occur.
Despite recent releases of some political prisoners in Venezuela, critics like Sierra argue that more significant steps are required for meaningful progress. Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a former diplomat and opposition candidate, has called for the explicit recognition of the 2024 election results to pave the way for democratic reconstruction in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan asylum seekers in Spain await the outcome of their applications with apprehension, fearing potential rejections amid changing geopolitical dynamics. While Spain has pledged support for Venezuelans in determining their future, uncertainties persist as migration policies evolve.
For many Venezuelan expatriates in Spain, the question of returning home remains complex. Eriana Zuleta, a young exile in Madrid, acknowledges the ongoing democratic transition in Venezuela but hesitates to make immediate decisions about repatriation. Similarly, Erick Zuleta, a union president and former opposition deputy, envisions contributing to Venezuela’s recovery under a new leadership, emphasizing the importance of events unfolding as they plan for potential repatriation.
Sierra, like many other exiles, holds onto hope for a future reunion with her family in Venezuela, spurred by recent developments despite the challenging conditions that persist.