Venezuela gov’t and opposition to hold talks aimed at path to elections

Venezuelan authorities and a faction of the opposition are preparing to engage in dialogue facilitated by the United States, with the stated objective of creating conditions for future electoral processes. The talks commence nearly seven months after the US military's removal of former President Nicolas Maduro, and will proceed under the leadership of interim President Delcy Rodriguez's administration.

Dinorah Figuera, a former opposition legislator who recently returned from exile in Spain, will represent the opposition delegation. She previously oversaw an opposition bloc in the National Assembly elected in 2015, a credential that reportedly influenced US selection of her as lead negotiator. On the government side, Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly and brother to interim President Rodriguez, will direct proceedings. Figuera has indicated her intention to pursue reforms of the electoral council and supreme court, institutions long dominated by Maduro loyalists.

The exclusion of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado from negotiations has generated controversy across both conservative and leftist opposition segments. Machado, who was barred by the Supreme Court from competing in Venezuela's 2024 presidential election, has stated she will not obstruct genuine progress but will evaluate outcomes based on restoration of democratic institutions, release of political prisoners, and scheduling of elections. The Trump administration has maintained distance from Machado despite her alignment with US interests, with officials questioning her capacity to lead the nation.

Government negotiators have signaled their focus on securing additional sanctions relief from Washington. The talks underscore continued American influence over Venezuela's interim administration, which has already granted concessions including opening state-owned oil operations to foreign investment.