Venezuelans Skeptical of New Government-Opposition Dialogue Amid U.S. Influence

Venezuelans are greeting the latest round of dialogue between the government and a segment of the opposition with considerable skepticism, a sentiment rooted in over a decade of fruitless negotiations. The new talks, which commenced on Saturday with U.S. backing, aim to foster democratic transition and provide relief to those affected by the recent earthquakes.

“

If it's to move forward towards a transition to recover our democracy, I am in favor, but I really prefer to wait and see how it develops on both sides, if it's truly with seriousness.

"If it's to move forward towards a transition to recover our democracy, I am in favor, but I really prefer to wait and see how it develops on both sides, if it's truly with seriousness," said Ginette González, a 58-year-old independent worker, in a Caracas plaza. Many share her cautious outlook, accustomed to repeated dialogues that have yielded little tangible change. Roger Gómez, a 40-year-old administrator, echoed this sentiment, stating, "One is kind of adapted, always to the same thing, it's not really known if (the dialogue) is what we are waiting for, that everything will be resolved, that the country will return to democracy."

“

One is kind of adapted, always to the same thing, it's not really known if (the dialogue) is what we are waiting for, that everything will be resolved, that the country will return to democracy.

The current dialogue is led by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez for the government and former legislator Dinorah Figuera for the opposition faction, who supports the continuity of the 2015 National Assembly. While an in-person meeting was anticipated for Saturday, the initial engagement involved a phone call. Key discussion points included strengthening democracy and addressing the needs of victims from the June 24 double earthquake, which official figures indicate caused over 6,000 fatalities and left more than 60,000 people requiring medical attention.

“

The most interesting thing is the solution of us going to presidential elections and having a new government, because the government we have right now is the same government from 30 years ago.

Despite the prevailing skepticism, those consulted by Efe expressed a desire for the talks to culminate in new presidential elections. "The most interesting thing is the solution of us going to presidential elections and having a new government, because the government we have right now is the same government from 30 years ago," commented José Padrón, a 69-year-old taxi driver. Political scientist Piero Trepiccione of the Centro Gumilla research center highlighted the "geopolitical tutelage" exerted by the United States as a distinguishing factor in this negotiation. He believes this U.S. influence provides leverage for pressing the process towards concrete outcomes. The parties are expected to hold face-to-face meetings this week, though dates and locations remain unconfirmed. Government representatives include Minister of University Education Ana María Sanjuán and First Vice President of the National Assembly Pedro Infante, among others. Opposition representatives include Figuera and former legislators Marco Aurelio Quiñones and Ramón López.

“

That geopolitical tutelage gives the United States certain pieces, certain elements that can be very, very useful for pressuring this negotiation process, for pressuring towards concrete results.