Machado and González Back Talks but Remain Wary of Chavismo Dialogue

María Corina Machado and Edmundo González have issued a joint statement clarifying they did not participate in the design of the upcoming dialogue between the chavismo and a sector of the opposition, but will not be an obstacle if it produces concrete results. The talks, set to begin August 1, 2026, involve representatives of the chavista-controlled National Assembly led by Jorge Rodríguez and the opposition's 2015 Assembly headed by Dinorah Figuera, with strong backing from the United States. Source: ABC; Infobae

The announcement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the first formal meetings will start the first week of August, describing the agreement as a significant step toward reconciliation and transition. Source: Portafolio; El Colombiano The agenda includes strengthening democratic institutions, electoral system reforms, and addressing the humanitarian crisis from the devastating June 24 earthquakes that left over 5,500 dead and thousands homeless. Source: ABC; Clarín

Reactions

Machado and González, who won the 2024 election according to the opposition, said they will evaluate the process based on verifiable achievements: "the recovery of democratic institutions, the release of all political prisoners, real guarantees for all actors without exclusions, a timely presidential electoral schedule, and full respect for popular sovereignty." Source: ABC; El Nacional They also announced plans to return to Venezuela to "accompany the people." Source: Diario Libre

However, chavista deputy Iris Varela rejected the negotiations, calling them a "farce" and criticizing the exclusion of other opposition figures. Source: El Nacional The absence of Machado and González from the talks has raised skepticism about the process's inclusivity, as noted by CNN Español. Source: CNN Español