Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, expressed her approval on Wednesday for the conclusion of the initial round of talks between the Venezuelan government and the 2015-elected National Assembly, describing it as a significant step towards democratic coexistence in the nation.
"I commend and celebrate this initial step in the dialogue process with the opposition sector represented in the 2015 National Assembly. I am hopeful that this process will pave the way for better democratic coexistence among the various political factions in the country," Rodríguez shared on Twitter, alongside the joint statement.
The summary document of the First Cycle of Conversations was signed in Caracas by Jorge Rodríguez, head of the government delegation, and Dinorah Figuera, president of the 2015 National Assembly, following five technical sessions and five plenary meetings between the two delegations.
Officially launched on August 7 at La Carlota airbase, the initial cycle concluded with tangible agreements on the complete overhaul of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and measures to assist victims of the June 24 double earthquake.
The TSJ agreement outlines four steps: amendments to the Organic Law of the court and other judicial system laws; renewal and expansion of the judicial nominations committee; initiation of a new nomination process to appoint all magistrates; and the formation of a credential review council based on the Constitution.
Figuera had earlier mentioned a timeline for appointing the new TSJ in November and renewing the National Electoral Council in December, aiming to complete the process by the end of 2026.
The statement notes that "the implementation timeline for the agreements will commence this August with official announcements and concrete actions, under a continuous work mechanism to ensure strict adherence to each commitment."
This dialogue, promoted by the United States seven months post the capture of Nicolás Maduro, marks the ninth negotiation attempt between the Chavismo and opposition, though the first with explicit and active support from Washington.
The agreement also includes mobilizing Venezuela's international reserve assets, held in the Bank of England, to support the earthquake victims, which resulted in at least 6,125 fatalities and left around 18,000 people homeless.
The process, however, faces divisions on both sides. The Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), including María Corina Machado and opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, was excluded from the talks as they are not part of the 2015 National Assembly, demanding "an end to political persecution and the restoration of civil rights as indispensable conditions for true national reconstruction."
Conversely, hardline Chavismo factions protested in Caracas, organized by the Anti-Imperialist Popular Front, condemning the dialogue as a Washington imposition.
According to NTN24, the first round of talks did not address the restructuring of the CNE nor establish a specific electoral timeline, two primary demands of the broader opposition.
This August 12 agreement marks the first concrete and verifiable outcome of the process and the first occasion the opposition formally participates in the design of judicial renewal in Venezuela.
Key Details About Venezuela's Political Dialogue
What was achieved in the first cycle of dialogues?
The first cycle concluded with agreements on reforming the Supreme Court of Justice and providing aid to earthquake victims.
Who were the main participants in the talks?
The talks involved Jorge Rodríguez for the government delegation and Dinorah Figuera representing the 2015 National Assembly.
What are the next steps outlined in the agreement?
The agreement includes amending judicial laws, renewing the nominations committee, and appointing new magistrates, with a timeline set for completion by 2026.
What challenges does the dialogue process face?
The dialogue faces opposition from excluded political groups and hardline Chavismo factions protesting the talks.