The ceremony, full of political and institutional significance, will take place at 6:00 PM in the historic Casa de la Villa building. This announcement was made by Mayor Martínez-Almeida during the presentation of the 48th edition of the Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid.
The municipal government has maintained close communication with Machado's team to organize a reception befitting her international relevance. The arrangements have been coordinated through Antonio Ledesma, also an opposition figure, who has been instrumental in the logistics to ensure that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize nominee receives a proper welcome.
“"Whoever wants to see controversy or question her merits will have to provide explanations."
Regarding the debate on whether this honor is exclusively reserved for heads of State, Almeida clarified that, although municipal regulations stipulate its presentation to foreign dignitaries on official visits, it does not explicitly prohibit its granting to other personalities of exceptional merit. To support this decision, the City Council cited two precedents during Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón's tenure: the presentation of the key to the then Crown Prince of Japan, Naruhito, in 2008, and to the then Prince Charles of England in 2011.
The mayor emphasized that this gesture seeks to acknowledge the efforts of millions of Venezuelans fighting for freedom, with a special message for the large Venezuelan community residing in Madrid. Almeida highlighted the personal risk and physical integrity that Machado has undertaken for decades, elevating her figure to that of a "universal symbol" that transcends ideological barriers.
