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

The Venezuelan government and a segment of the opposition are set to commence U.S.-backed talks aimed at establishing a path toward future elections. The negotiations, scheduled to begin Saturday, notably exclude prominent opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been a key figure in challenging President Nicolás Maduro's government. Her absence has drawn criticism from both her supporters and leftist opposition factions.

The opposition delegation will be headed by Dinorah Figuera, who led an opposition bloc in the 2015 National Assembly, considered by the U.S. as the last democratically elected legislature. Figuera plans to advocate for reforms to the electoral council and the supreme court, which are currently seen as dominated by Maduro loyalists, to ensure fair elections. On the government's side, Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, will lead the discussions. He has indicated a desire to discuss the lifting of U.S. sanctions.

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would not obstruct any “real progress” at the talks.

The U.S. backing for these talks underscores Washington's continued influence in Venezuelan political affairs. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained a complex relationship with Machado, despite her significant popularity and her role in the opposition. Machado, who was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, has stated she will not hinder any "real progress" but will judge the talks' success by the restoration of democratic institutions, the release of political prisoners, and the scheduling of elections. Her ally, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, was the opposition's candidate in the election, which both opposition leaders and observers have disputed Maduro's victory in.

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are restored, political prisoners are freed and elections are scheduled.