Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of Venezuela's National Assembly, which is under the control of the chavista regime, unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform the nation's legal system last Wednesday.
According to a report by El Nacional, the proposal aims to consolidate the existing legal framework into eight major codes. This move is said to streamline and unify the current regulations.
Rodríguez, brother of Venezuela's interim president, emphasized the necessity for a deep reorganization of the current legal framework to enhance its accessibility and understanding.
This proposal comes at a time when the chavista regime is undergoing changes, including the release of political prisoners, amid pressure from the United States. It remains uncertain what the practical implications of this overhaul might be.
"It's time to bring order to the so-called Venezuelan legislative tree," stated Rodríguez, who is often regarded as the mastermind behind negotiations with Trump for a "transition" following Maduro's arrest.
The initiative, as described by Rodríguez, seeks to minimize regulatory fragmentation and move towards a more coherent model, where various legal areas are systematically organized.
Jorge Rodríguez's Eight Proposed Codes
The legislative project includes the drafting and approval of the following instruments: a renewed Popular Penal Code and Civil Code, a Venezuelan Social Code focusing on guarantees and protection programs; an Economic and Productive Commerce Code aligned with the new economic dynamics; an Electoral Code to unify all electoral legislation; a Direct Democracy Code; an Environmental and Ecological Code; and a Comprehensive Protection Code for vulnerable individuals.
It remains to be seen how or whether this reorganization will be implemented in the new scenario facing the chavismo regime.
The legislative work will be structured around six strategic axes: peace, economic growth, strengthening popular power, promoting new forms of entrepreneurship, defending life, and ensuring citizen security, Rodríguez assured.
On Thursday, the Venezuelan regime announced the release of a "significant number" of political prisoners, including foreign nationals, describing it as a "unilateral gesture of peace."
This announcement was made by Jorge Rodríguez, who stated that the decision was not coordinated with any other party and that the releases began "immediately."
"For peaceful coexistence, the Bolivarian government, along with state institutions, has decided to release a substantial number of Venezuelan and foreign individuals," Rodríguez declared to the press from the Legislative Palace, without specifying the number of detainees to be freed or under what conditions, as reported in a Venezolana de Televisión broadcast.
Understanding Venezuela's Legal System Overhaul
What are the eight codes proposed by Jorge Rodríguez?
The proposed codes include a renewed Popular Penal Code and Civil Code, a Venezuelan Social Code, an Economic and Productive Commerce Code, an Electoral Code, a Direct Democracy Code, an Environmental and Ecological Code, and a Comprehensive Protection Code for vulnerable individuals.
Why is Venezuela's legal system being restructured?
The restructuring aims to consolidate and simplify the current legal framework, making it easier to apply and understand, while reducing regulatory fragmentation and promoting a coherent legal model.
What strategic areas will the legislative work focus on?
The legislative efforts will concentrate on six strategic areas: peace, economic growth, strengthening popular power, promoting new entrepreneurship, defending life, and ensuring citizen security.