US, opposition negotiate Venezuela transition route in Madrid

Preparatory meetings for negotiations on Venezuela's political transition have been taking place in Madrid over the past two weeks, with the formal opening of discussions slated for August 1. Representatives from the United States and Dinorah Figuera, president of the 2015-elected National Assembly, are involved in these crucial talks. Figuera is set to negotiate with Jorge Rodríguez, the current president of the Parliament controlled by the Chavista government. Sources familiar with the process indicate that the meetings are being coordinated by Mauricio Claver-Carone, a key interlocutor for U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Venezuela-related matters, according to a report by the newspaper ABC. These contacts were reportedly initiated directly by Rubio amid questions about the White House's strategy, with critics suggesting the Trump administration was strengthening Nicolás Maduro's government rather than fostering a democratic transition. The choice of Madrid as a venue is largely due to Figuera's residence in the Valencian Community since 2018, after she sought political asylum in Caracas following alleged threats and harassment from Chavista security forces. During her time in Valencia, Figuera maintained a low profile, with few aware of her role as a Venezuelan opposition leader and president of the 2015 Parliament, who would later become a key figure in discussions about the country's institutional future. Figuera and Rodríguez are scheduled to meet again on August 1, more than a month after their previous encounter in Venezuela on June 18, when the opposition leader made a brief trip to the country. The negotiation aims to lay the foundation for rebuilding Venezuelan institutions. The primary objective will be to agree on the renewal of key state bodies, beginning with a new National Electoral Council (CNE) that would allow for elections to be held under guaranteed conditions. According to ABC, the progress made during the preparatory meetings was communicated to Venezuela's ambassador in Spain. It is understood that the efforts leading up to August 1 conclude this Monday. Washington views these conversations as the commencement of the third phase of its roadmap for Venezuela, following stages of stabilization and recovery, with the new period focusing on political transition and institutional reconstruction. The plan includes renewing the CNE, the Electoral Chamber, and the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice. Figuera maintains an excellent relationship with opposition leader María Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and advocates for building consensus among various sectors opposing Chavismo. However, Machado and Edmundo González announced on Sunday that they will not participate in or obstruct the planned dialogue process.

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Washington considers these conversations as the beginning of the third phase of its roadmap for Venezuela.