Capriles Demands Genuine Political Transition in Venezuela

For the first time in two sessions, Henrique Capriles has taken his seat as a deputy in the National Assembly. This move represents a significant pivot in his political strategy, one he adopted last year alongside other politicians who diverged from the hardline stance of María Corina Machado. While Machado's faction advocated for boycotting the parliamentary election to focus on the 2024 presidential results, Capriles chose a different path.

The political landscape has shifted dramatically since then. The departure of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following United States actions on January 3rd, has opened a new chapter. In the corridors of the National Assembly, Capriles now encounters former high-ranking Chavista officials he hadn't spoken to in over twenty years. These interactions are now possible due to what the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has termed the "new political moment" in Venezuela.

The atmosphere inside the legislative palace has transformed. The "new political moment" described by leadership has facilitated meetings between former adversaries. However, for Capriles and many others, this period does not yet constitute a full transition. The focus is now on the conditions required for a genuine democratic opening.

Capriles' presence in the Assembly is not merely symbolic; it is a tactical maneuver to influence the unfolding events from within. His return to the legislative body signals a willingness to engage with the current structures, provided they move toward substantive change.

• Re-engagement with former political rivals
• Strategic participation in parliamentary activities
• Focus on structural political reform

Central to Capriles' agenda is the issue of political prisoners. He has made it clear that the liberation of detainees must be comprehensive and unconditional. The opposition leader argues that any release of prisoners should not be selective or tied to political bargaining.

"Queremos que el Gobierno cambie, esto no puede ser una paz pactada."

This statement underscores his rejection of a negotiated peace that leaves the fundamental structures of power unchanged. He advocates for a transition that addresses the root causes of the political crisis rather than offering superficial concessions.

The demand for unconditional releases is a key pillar of his platform, emphasizing that true peace cannot be built on selective justice or political deals that exclude certain factions.

Capriles' warning against a "paz pactada" (negotiated peace) highlights a deep skepticism regarding the current administration's intentions. He fears that without a complete overhaul of the government, any agreement will merely perpetuate the status quo under a different guise.

This stance places him in a complex position within the broader opposition. While he engages with the new political reality, he remains firm on the principles of full democratic restoration. The challenge lies in balancing participation in the current system with the demand for its fundamental transformation.

The international community and domestic observers are watching closely to see how this strategy unfolds. Capriles' actions in the coming weeks will likely define the opposition's approach to the evolving political scenario.

The reintegration of Henrique Capriles into the National Assembly marks a critical juncture in Venezuelan politics. His strategy differs from the boycott approach, opting instead for active participation to steer change from within.

However, his conditions are non-negotiable: a genuine transition that includes the release of all political prisoners without conditions and a rejection of any peace deal that does not result in a complete change of government. The coming days will test the resilience of this new political moment and the willingness of all parties to move toward a truly democratic future.