Venezuela opposition leader finds transition task difficult, thanks U.S. for support

Opposition leader Dinorah Figuera has acknowledged the challenges of her new role in Venezuela's transitional government, stating that while the task "is not easy," a "chapter of hope" is urgently needed for the country. She expressed gratitude for the "accompaniment" of the United States, which sent her to Caracas for dialogues with the interim government.

Figuera returned to Venezuela after an eight-year exile, tasked by the U.S. State Department to engage in discussions as part of the political transition initiated after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. She had previously met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak, in April to discuss pathways for a stable democratic transition.

Her proposed agenda includes establishing a "vigorous, credible, and transparent" National Electoral Council, an institution currently controlled by pro-Chavismo officials and accused of fraud in the 2024 presidential elections. The plan also prioritizes rebuilding democratic institutions, restoring political participation guarantees, and protecting civil liberties for open political debate, according to the State Department.

Figuera also revealed she has "differences" with prominent opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado regarding her return. "María Corina is the leader, but here we are talking about institutionalism and I am president of the National Assembly (AN)," Figuera explained, highlighting a divergence in approach despite their shared opposition goals.