Venezuela government holds first talks with opposition

The Venezuelan government, led by Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, convened its first formal dialogue with a segment of the opposition on Monday in Caracas. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together representatives of the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) and the opposition‑aligned National Assembly, with Rodriguez acting as the chief negotiator for the Maduro administration. The talks were prompted by the United Nations‑backed “Venezuela Dialogue” framework and were intended to address the political impasse that has persisted since the 2018 presidential election.

During the session, both sides discussed a range of issues, including the restoration of democratic institutions, the release of political prisoners, and the organization of new elections under international observation. Rodriguez emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in “constructive dialogue” while insisting that any agreement must respect Venezuela’s sovereignty and constitutional order. Opposition delegates, meanwhile, called for a clear timetable for elections and the lifting of sanctions that they argue hinder economic recovery. The meeting marked a significant step, as it is the first time the Maduro administration has formally opened a negotiation channel with a major opposition bloc in over a decade.

While the talks have not yet produced a binding agreement, analysts note that the dialogue could pave the way for a broader national reconciliation process. If the parties can agree on a framework for elections and institutional reforms, it may help to reduce political polarization and attract renewed international engagement. The outcome will likely hinge on the willingness of both sides to compromise on key demands and on the continued support of regional and global actors who have been urging a peaceful resolution to Venezuela’s crisis.