Following the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the process of forming a transitional government has begun in the country. The world’s attention is focused on possible scenarios for a change of power, and among the main contenders for leadership, experts mention opposition politician and Bitcoin supporter María Corina Machado.
This is reported by Business • Media
Probability of Maria Machado’s Election and the Political Situation in Venezuela
Maria Machado is emerging as one of the leading candidates for the head of state during the transitional period. According to projections from the Kalshi platform, the likelihood that she will lead Venezuela by the end of 2026 is around 27%. She is only behind opposition politician Edmundo González Urrutia, who is considered the frontrunner for the upcoming presidential elections in 2025, but ahead of current Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who is temporarily fulfilling the duties of president following Maduro’s arrest.
The arrest of the former president took place on January 3, 2025, after which Maduro was extradited to the United States to face charges of corruption and involvement in drug trafficking. These events have caused a sharp increase in political uncertainty in the country.
The Impact of Cryptocurrencies and Machado’s Role in Economic Recovery
Maria Machado has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Bitcoin for Venezuela’s economy. In the context of hyperinflation and the sharp devaluation of the Bolívar, which has effectively lost its purchasing power since 2013, the politician has referred to cryptocurrency as a “lifeline” for the population. According to her, digital assets serve as a tool for saving and enable millions of Venezuelans to make cross-border transfers.
“Cryptocurrency has become a means of saving and cross-border transfers for millions of citizens.”
Machado is also considering the possibility of implementing Bitcoin as a reserve asset and payment method in the future financial system of the country, highlighting its role in restoring trust in national institutions.
U.S. President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, expressed Washington’s intention to engage in managing the transitional process in Venezuela, which sparked controversy both within Venezuelan society and internationally. At the same time, Trump expressed doubts about whether Machado could garner sufficient support among the population, although a number of analysts and opposition representatives assert that she remains one of the most popular figures among opponents of the Maduro regime.
In addition to the political tension, the country faces a complex situation regarding cryptocurrencies: the current authorities have repeatedly shut down mining operations and confiscated equipment for extracting digital assets, citing illegal use of electricity. Against this backdrop, stablecoins are gaining increasing popularity, which Venezuelans are using to protect their financial reserves during the economic crisis.