Venezuela’s ruling chavista government and opposition forces began a new round of talks Saturday, mediated by the United States, aimed at restoring democratic institutions in the country. The agenda, participants, methods and meeting location have not been disclosed publicly.
Formally, the negotiations are between a delegation from the opposition-majority National Assembly elected in 2015, whose members are in exile, and one from the 2025 parliament controlled by the ruling party and led by Jorge Rodriguez, brother of acting president Delcy Rodriguez. All parties involved have understood the talks as an exchange between the interim government and the US-backed opposition, as Washington considers the 2015 assembly the last legitimate body in Venezuela.
Dinorah Figuera, the opposition representative at the table, said she hopes to secure a new electoral authority, real electoral guarantees, the release of political prisoners and the restoration of the rule of law. She added that she approaches the process with seriousness and determination, and that the mechanism will be judged not by its rhetoric but by its results for the Venezuelan people.
Divisions on Both Sides
The talks have drawn criticism from within chavismo. Legislator Iris Varela, a longtime hardliner, said she does not agree with the dialogue. Diosdado Cabello, interior minister and head of the ruling party, said the government enters the talks fully united.
Opposition critics note that Figuera’s participation is not aligned with the leadership of Maria Corina Machado, who was not included in the process. Former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles said any negotiation without Machado would be doomed to fail. Edmundo Gonzalez, who is defended by supporters as the true winner of the 2024 presidential election, is also absent from the talks.
Roberto Enriquez, executive secretary of the opposition coalition Plataforma Unitaria, said Friday he hopes the process will lead to the release of prisoners, an end to political repression and the return of exiles, all within what he described as the United States’ three-phase plan.
