On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of steering Venezuela towards a democratic transition that establishes a legal framework conducive to foreign investment. His comments, made during an interview on Fox News' "My View with Lara Trump," were shared on the official State Department account.
“It's crucial to have laws, rules, and regulations in place so that investors from the United States and worldwide can invest safely and create prosperity. Ultimately, a transition is essential,” Rubio asserted.
Rubio outlined the strategy as a three-phase plan developed by Washington following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026, which left interim President Delcy Rodríguez at the helm.
Phases of the Transition Plan
The first stage, according to Rubio, involved stabilization: “We wanted to prevent the country from reverting to civil war, mass migration, civil unrest, and more.”
The second phase, where he believes Venezuela currently stands, focuses on economic recovery. The final phase is the actual transition, culminating in legitimate elections at all levels.
Challenges in the Road to Recovery
Rubio acknowledged the lengthy nature of the process. “I understand we are not in an era of patience and perseverance, but such matters require time. It’s a system that has been entrenched for over a quarter of a century,” he remarked, referring to the deep-seated roots of chavismo in Venezuela.
He also noted the added complexity introduced by the recent earthquake in Venezuela, which strikes during the recovery phase.
On June 24, 2026, two earthquakes measuring 7.1 and 7.5 magnitudes hit the nation, resulting in over 5,398 deaths and prompting a national emergency declaration by Rodríguez.
Path to Political Reconciliation
Regarding the political roadmap, Rubio stressed that the first step towards elections is achieving national reconciliation among factions that have been at odds for decades.
He suggested using Eastern European transition models post-Soviet Union collapse as a reference for Venezuela.
“At some point, there must be legitimate elections at all levels so the people know the government in power is the one they elected,” he stated.
His remarks come as María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia expressed conditional support for the dialogue process, which was slated to formally begin this Saturday.
However, tensions remain, as evidenced by chavismo representative Diosdado Cabello rejecting negotiations with Machado in June.
Rubio described the role of the United States in this entire process with one word: facilitator. “The role the U.S. government can continue to play is that of a facilitator in all of this,” he concluded, aligning with the stance he publicly confirmed on July 20 when announcing the formal start of the transition process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venezuela's Transition Plan
What are the three phases of Venezuela's transition plan?
The plan consists of stabilization to prevent civil unrest, economic recovery, and the ultimate transition to democratic governance through legitimate elections.
How has the recent earthquake affected Venezuela's recovery phase?
The earthquake, with magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, resulted in over 5,398 fatalities and complicated the country's recovery efforts by adding a national emergency on top of existing challenges.
Why is reconciliation important for Venezuela's political roadmap?
Reconciliation is crucial for achieving national unity and ensuring that future elections reflect the genuine will of the people, free from decades-long factional conflicts.