María Corina Machado et Edmundo González Urrutia se démarquent du dialogue mené par les États-Unis avec le chavisme

Venezuela’s opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia have distanced themselves from a dialogue initiative spearheaded by the United States between opposition factions and the ruling Chavista regime. The announcement comes amid ongoing political tensions within the country, which has been marked by deep divisions since the disputed presidential elections of July 28, 2024. Both figures, who claim to represent the mandate derived from those elections, stated they will not participate in the proposed mechanism, which involves representatives from the 2015-elected National Assembly, led by Dinorah Figuera, and the current National Assembly under President Jorge Rodríguez. In a joint statement released through social media platforms, Machado and González Urrutia emphasized their refusal to engage with the process, which they argue was designed without their input. They noted that neither the members of the 2015 assembly nor the current administration should dictate the terms of the dialogue, stressing that the public must be informed about its goals, methods, and schedule. The dialogue, backed by the U.S., is set to begin formally on August 1, following preparatory meetings held in Madrid with support from American officials. These meetings reportedly included representatives linked to the 2015 parliamentary bloc. The initiative, introduced mid-July, aims to strengthen democracy in Venezuela, particularly after the collapse of President Nicolás Maduro in January and the interim leadership of Delcy Rodríguez under international pressure. The U.S. has praised the effort as a “significant step toward political reconciliation,” maintaining a supportive role while avoiding direct intervention. However, internal divisions within the opposition remain pronounced, with varying views on how to approach a potential transition. Machado and González Urrutia have left open the possibility of evaluating the process based on its outcomes, though they have made it clear that their support would depend on tangible results. Their conditions include restoring democratic institutions, freeing all political prisoners, ensuring inclusive participation, establishing a presidential election timetable, and respecting the sovereignty expressed through free elections. They have also criticized the outcome of the 2024 presidential elections, which saw Maduro declared winner despite allegations of fraud, and continue to advocate for new elections. This stance follows weeks of silence from Machado regarding the initiative led by Figuera, who recently returned to Caracas and engaged in talks with Chavista officials, including Rodríguez. Machado leads a commission representing the 2015 National Assembly, which had long been recognized internationally. Her exclusion from the dialogue has sparked tensions within the broader opposition coalition, with some leaders arguing her involvement remains crucial to the political landscape. Meanwhile, Machado and González Urrutia reaffirmed their commitment to the Manifiesto de Panamá, a document outlining key demands such as the release of political detainees, the return of exiles, and the creation of a national agreement to rebuild Venezuela’s institutional framework. The manifesto underscores the opposition’s demand for a comprehensive political solution grounded in democratic principles and respect for the electorate’s will. As the situation unfolds, the dynamics among opposition factions and the evolving relationship with external actors like the U.S. will likely shape the trajectory of Venezuela’s political future. The coming months will test whether these competing visions can converge into a unified strategy capable of addressing the nation’s profound challenges.