Bitcoin advocate Machado, successor focus in Venezuela after Maduro's arrest

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (Nicolás Maduro) was detained by U.S. military on 1/3 and transferred to New York, USA, facing federal charges related to drug trafficking and corruption. With Maduro’s arrest, Venezuela enters a highly uncertain period of power transition, and the new leader becomes a focus of international attention. Among several potential successors, opposition leader María Corina Machado (María Corina Machado), who has long publicly supported Bitcoin, is seen as a key candidate to lead the future transformation.

Market predictions show Machado as the third most likely successor

According to the latest data from the prediction market platform Kalshi, in the forecast “Who will actually lead Venezuela by the end of 2026,” Machado currently has about a 27% chance of winning, ranking third.

Second place is held by candidate Edmundo González Urrutia (Edmundo González Urrutia), supported by the opposition alliance “Unitarian Platform” (Unitary Platform), with about a 30% probability.

First place is held by current Vice President, designated acting president by the Supreme Court, Delsi Rodríguez (Delcy Rodríguez), with about a 32% chance.

Latest scene on Kalshi before deadline

(U.S. military mass attack on Venezuela: Trump confirms Maduro couple’s arrest, Delta Force involved in mission)

Publicly supports Bitcoin, once called it Venezuela’s lifeline

Machado’s attention is related to her long-standing public stance on Bitcoin. During an interview with human rights organization Human Rights Foundation (HRF) at the end of 2024, she stated that during hyperinflation, Venezuelans used Bitcoin to preserve assets, make payments, and even raise funds to leave the country, describing Bitcoin as Venezuela’s “lifeline” (lifeline) under the collapse of the monetary system.

She pointed out that if given the opportunity to lead the country in the future, she would consider including Bitcoin in the national reserves and as part of the payment system.

Cryptocurrency as a grassroots tool amid hyperinflation

Since Maduro took office in 2013, the purchasing power of Venezuela’s bolívar has lost over 99.99%, forcing more than 8 million Venezuelans to migrate abroad. Cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, have become practical tools for some families to remit cross-border support to relatives.

In contrast, Maduro’s government has repeatedly shut down Bitcoin mining farms and equipment on grounds of illegal electricity use or lack of permits, taking a tough stance against miners.

From disqualification to succession discussions, Bitcoin’s position gains attention again

Looking back at the 2025 presidential election, Machado was initially widely favored to win but was disqualified before the election by the Supreme Court over administrative and electoral law disputes, sparking controversy.

Now, with Maduro’s arrest and changes in the power structure, this opposition leader, who was previously disqualified and has explicitly supported Bitcoin, has once again become a key figure in discussions about Venezuela’s future direction.

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This article about Bitcoin advocate Machado becoming a focus of Venezuela’s succession after Maduro’s arrest first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.