WASHINGTON—Venezuela’s interim government and opposition are sitting down to negotiate democracy’s future. On August 1, representatives of both sides will begin formal conversations aimed at strengthening democratic institutions after months of anticipation for such talks following Nicolás Maduro’s removal in January.
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela in June have underscored the urgency of strengthening governance and institutional capacity. The earthquakes resulted in over five thousand lives lost, many more missing, severe displacement, and an estimated $37 billion in damage, according to the United Nations. The tragic event has heightened the need for broad-based political agreements in order to provide the certainty needed to attract the investment critical to the country’s reconstruction.
Why the August meetings matter
Jorge Rodríguez, current president of the National Assembly and brother of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, will represent the interim government side. Dinorah Figuera will lead the talks for the opposition. Figuera served as president of the 2015 National Assembly, the first and only opposition-controlled congress since the Chavismo era began in 1999. The United States recognizes it as the last legislature elected under free and fair elections.
