Venezuela Government and Opposition Complete First Round of Transition Talks
Venezuela’s interim government and opposition representatives have concluded their first round of transition negotiations, seeking to advance national reconciliation and establish a framework for the country’s political future following the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro.
After several days of discussions, both sides announced agreements on two immediate priorities: reforming the country’s judicial system and pursuing access to Venezuelan assets frozen overseas. The funds would be used to support recovery efforts after the twin earthquakes that struck on June 24 and reportedly killed more than 6,300 people.
Under the agreement, the parties will “initiate a process that contributes to the transformation of the justice system,” including proposed changes to the Organic Law governing Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice.
The negotiators also agreed to seek the release of Venezuela’s international reserve assets held at the Bank of England. They proposed establishing “mechanisms for transparency, traceability and auditing” to ensure that any released funds are managed responsibly and directed toward earthquake recovery.
The interim government, led by President Delcy Rodriguez, was represented by National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez. The opposition delegation was headed by Dinorah Figuera, who leads the political bloc associated with the opposition majority elected to the 2015 National Assembly.
However, the joint statement did not address the National Electoral Council, which the opposition has previously identified as an institution requiring reform.
Figuera expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying, “We are in this process to achieve a democratic and free Venezuela.”
The talks have generated hopes among some Venezuelans that the transition process could eventually lead to democratic elections and a broader political settlement. Nevertheless, the process remains contested.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has refused to participate, arguing that the negotiations do not adequately reflect what she considers the democratic mandate arising from Venezuela’s disputed 2024 presidential election.
The first round therefore represents an initial step toward political reconciliation, but major disagreements over electoral institutions, democratic legitimacy and the country’s future political structure remain unresolved.
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