Overview
- Reports of Nicolás Maduro’s capture and transfer to New York have opened a power vacuum, and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president on January 5.
- Polymarket traders place María Corina Machado’s chances around 18%–19% to lead by end‑2026, with Edmundo González Urrutia higher in some markets and Rodríguez leading in others.
- Crypto.news reports Kalshi puts Machado near 27%, highlighting divergent forecasts as control of the transition remains uncertain.
- President Donald Trump publicly questioned Machado’s suitability, saying she lacks “support or respect,” a signal that weighed on her perceived momentum.
- Machado has promoted Bitcoin as part of national reserves and easier payments after years of hyperinflation and crypto restrictions, and crypto prices saw a short‑term lift with total market cap up about 1.4% per CoinGecko.