Venezuelan Exiles in Spain Await Future After Maduro's Ouster

After the U.S. operation on Jan 3 2026 that seized President Nicolás Maduro, roughly 400,000 Venezuelan exiles in Spain – including opposition figures Xiomara Sierra, María Corina Machado and union leaders – are anxious about their future. Sierra, now a spokesperson for Machado, warns that Vice‑President Delcy Rodríguez remains an instrument of repression. 800‑900 prisoners await release, many held in Caracas’ El Helicoide torture centre. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged support but said returning officials must wait for a democratic transition after the July 28 2024 elections. Exiles in Madrid, León and elsewhere fear that Spain may refuse asylum if Venezuela is deemed safe. Many remain uncertain whether they can return home or must remain abroad.