The government of Venezuela and the opposition have officially announced that in-person political transition talks are set to commence next week in Caracas. This development follows a telephone conversation between Jorge Rodriguez, the head of the National Assembly and chief government negotiator, and opposition figure Dinorah Figuera. The two parties have successfully established a working agenda characterized by clear and verifiable objectives.
According to Rodriguez, who is the brother of interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, the initial meeting will prioritize providing assistance to those impacted by the earthquake that occurred last month. Furthermore, the discussions are expected to address the reinforcement of democratic institutions and the protection of political rights. Rodriguez expressed his intention to foster an inclusive and efficient negotiation process. The government delegation for these talks will also feature former foreign minister Jorge Arreaza.
Dinorah Figuera, who leads the opposition bloc that secured a legislative majority in 2015, confirmed the agreement and the scheduled talks. The two negotiators last met on June 24, just days before the earthquake. These transition efforts are supported by the United States, with a stated focus on rebuilding democratic institutions, strengthening the electorate, and guaranteeing political participation. US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed satisfaction with the role of interim leader Delcy Rodriguez in these developments.
Despite the progress, supporters of former president Nicolas Maduro have voiced distrust regarding a process that exclusively includes US-approved representatives. The political climate remains tense following the 2024 election, which resulted in a disputed victory for Maduro, while the opposition maintains that its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, was the winner. Maria Corina Machado, an opposition figure currently based in Panama, stated that she does not oppose the negotiations, even though she was not invited to participate.
In her statement, Figuera expressed gratitude toward the US government, specifically citing Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for Washington's ongoing support. She described the upcoming talks as a new chapter in the collective effort to secure a dignified future for all citizens of Venezuela.
