Venezuela's tumultuous politics have taken another dramatic turn as the interim government and opposition announce plans for formal talks, with the aim of strengthening democracy in the crisis-hit South American nation. The negotiations, set to begin on 1 August, have won support from Washington, which has long been advocating a democratic transition in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that claimed over 4,700 lives.
However, the opposition's negotiating team has taken many by surprise, with Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, a high-profile figure, not leading the charge as widely expected. Instead, Dinorah Figuera – who had been in exile in Spain since 2018 but recently returned to Caracas – will spearhead the opposition's efforts. This decision diverges from earlier plans by an opposition coalition for Machado to lead negotiations on new elections.
The talks were initially announced by Figuera, and subsequently confirmed by Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly. Rodríguez, whose sister Delcy currently serves as acting president, said a joint working group focused on strengthening democracy would be established – including former members of the 2015 National Assembly led by Figuera. That assembly was notable for being the first and only opposition-controlled congress elected under Chavismo, the left-wing movement founded by former president Hugo Chávez.
Figuera's return to Venezuela a week before the 24 June earthquakes and her subsequent meeting with Rodríguez were hailed by the US State Department as the start of a "roadmap for a political dialogue on a democratic transition." The US has played a significant role in Venezuelan politics since its alleged involvement in removing former dictator Nicolás Maduro from power in January. Figuera stated her return was at the invitation of the US State Department, a move reportedly caught much of the Venezuelan opposition off guard.
Despite her popularity and previous intentions to return, the White House has been said to have discouraged Machado from doing so, citing concerns about potential civil unrest. Machado has indicated that opposition coalition parties will meet to "define a public position" regarding the announced talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reposted a statement from the former National Assembly's social media account, thanking the US for its support and declaring that the joint working group's priority would be "strengthening the electoral system and restoring guarantees for political participation."
While these announcements mark a potential shift in Venezuela's complex politics, a clear timetable for new elections remains elusive. Public discontent has been growing over the government's perceived inadequate response to the recent earthquakes, which have left millions without access to basic necessities.