Machado says won’t take part in US-backed talks

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado announced she will boycott upcoming US-backed talks with the government led by Delcy Rodriguez, citing a lack of clarity about the negotiations' aims and procedures. Her withdrawal underscores deep divisions within the opposition and raises doubts about the potential effectiveness and transparency of the dialogue process aimed at political reform.

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado announced on Sunday that she will not participate in upcoming US-backed talks with the de facto government headed by Delcy Rodriguez. The discussions, scheduled for August, aim to address political issues and promote democratic processes in Venezuela.

In a joint statement co-signed by Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a former presidential candidate in the country’s disputed 2024 elections, Machado emphasized that the opposition will abstain from involvement in the “design, development and operation” of the talks. The statement called on those organizing the initiative to clearly communicate its goals, methods, and timelines to the Venezuelan public.

Earlier in July, Rodriguez’s interim government, together with a group of former opposition members of parliament from the 2015-2020 legislative period, announced a plan to “strengthen democracy” in Venezuela. This effort had been welcomed by the United States, which deposed former president Nicolas Maduro through a military operation in January and has been seeking political reconciliation in the country. Washington’s support included facilitating a brief visit in June to Venezuela by exiled opposition figure Dinorah Figuera, who met with National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

Machado defended the legitimacy of Gonzalez Urrutia’s victory in the contentious 2024 presidential elections, in which Maduro was declared the winner amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud. Although she refused to participate in the talks, Machado stated that she does not intend to obstruct any initiatives that could lead to genuine progress. She also reaffirmed her commitment to returning to Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Delcy Rodriguez has accused the interim government of hindering her return to the country in the wake of twin earthquakes last month that caused over 5,000 fatalities. The natural disaster has further complicated Venezuela’s political and humanitarian landscape.

The development highlights ongoing divisions within the Venezuelan opposition and questions surrounding the effectiveness and transparency of dialogue efforts backed by external actors. Both sides express a desire for democratic reform, but significant disagreements remain over the process and representation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.