Venezuela's government and opposition conclude inaugural talks on reforms and assets

A six-day series of talks in Caracas brought together the Venezuelan government and opposition for the first time since the United States intervened to remove former President Nicolas Maduro. Delegates agreed to pursue the release of frozen Venezuelan assets abroad, a step aimed at financing reconstruction after recent earthquakes, and to restructure the Supreme Tribunal of Justice by removing its current magistrates and installing an independent selection panel.

Political analyst Carmen Beatriz Fernandez highlighted the magnitude of the judicial changes, calling them more consequential than electoral reforms. Government representative Jorge Rodriguez and opposition delegate Dinorah Figuera led their respective sides, though Maria Corina Machado, a key opposition figure, did not attend. Critics warned that the United States' hard-power role could shape outcomes, while former political prisoners called for greater focus on releasing detainees. The agreements are seen as a tentative first phase that could lead to further negotiations, potentially paving the way for new elections.