US-backed Venezuela negotiations start Aug. 1 without Machado

U.S.-backed talks between Venezuela’s interim administration and a segment of the opposition are set to start on August 1, with Jorge Rodriguez representing the government side and Dinorah Figuera heading the opposition delegation. The U.S. selected Figuera because she leads a 2015 opposition-dominated National Assembly cohort still recognized as the last democratically elected legislature. Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, the country’s most prominent opposition leader, will not participate after leaving Venezuela in 2025 and pledging to aid earthquake recovery instead.

Washington believes the negotiations can reshape the political system and eventually lead to free elections, while also seeking to ease remaining sanctions on oil, gas, and gold. Critics argue Machado’s exclusion weakens the legitimacy of the process, though some U.S. officials say she could join later if public support warrants it. The outcome will be judged on whether democratic institutions are restored, political prisoners freed, and elections scheduled.