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Venezuela's political camps protest ahead of transition talks
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Elections & Politics

Venezuela's political camps protest ahead of transition talks

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Various political factions in Venezuela are staging protests in Caracas ahead of upcoming transition talks.
  • Supporters of opposition leader María Corina Machado are demanding immediate elections for a genuine political transition.
  • Leftist groups, meanwhile, are protesting what they call "US influence" and the interim government's perceived coercion in negotiations.

Caracas buzzed with protest Tuesday as various political factions vied to make their voices heard before Venezuelan transition talks commence later this week. The negotiations, aimed at "strengthening democracy," are set to involve the interim government and a group of former opposition lawmakers, with backing from the United States.

If we want a transition, we have to go to an election. When they set the election date, that's when the transition begins.

— Henry AlviarezSpokesperson for María Corina Machado's party, demanding elections for a political transition.

Supporters of opposition leader María Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, rallied in the capital, demanding that elections be held promptly to ensure a legitimate political transition. Machado herself has ruled out attending the talks, which are scheduled to begin Saturday. Her party's spokesperson, Henry Alviarez, emphasized, "If we want a transition, we have to go to an election. When they set the election date, that's when the transition begins."

Meanwhile, leftist demonstrators expressed skepticism about the talks, which will be co-chaired by parliamentary chief Jorge Rodríguez, the interim leader's brother, and opposition figure Dinorah Figuera. "We no longer believe in dialogue, we believe in action," stated 64-year-old lawyer José Fuenmayor, reflecting a sentiment that the current government seeks only to "buy time."

We no longer believe in dialogue, we believe in action.

— Jose FuenmayorA lawyer expressing skepticism about the upcoming political transition talks.

Supporters of the late leftist leader Hugo Chávez also voiced concerns, denouncing what they described as strong American influence on the government's participation in the negotiations. Carmen Montes, a 70-year-old retiree, noted that interim leader Delcy Rodríguez is negotiating "with a gun to her head." She also commented on the nation's ongoing recovery from deadly earthquakes in June, asserting that the government "is giving its all" to rebuild affected areas, despite criticism of its response.

The government exhibits Argentina's energy potential to the world but abandons the roads used by workers, supplies, and production.

— Carmen MontesA retiree commenting on the interim leader's position in negotiations and the government's efforts post-earthquake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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