Venezuela's opposition reorganizes in a new political landscape

"The history of the Venezuelan opposition is one of relentless resistance, periodically coming within a hair's breadth of seizing power, only to be repeatedly crushed before achieving its goal. The violence unleashed after the 2024 elections cast a veil of silence over the country: thousands forced into hiding, exile, or prison, once again cutting short the latest attempt to attain power peacefully and democratically through elections."

"However, the ouster of president Nicolas Maduro and the possible call for new elections have triggered a realignment among the different sectors of the opposition. In this Maduro-era regime without Maduro, no one wants to miss out on the unfolding drama. In recent weeks, former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles has been maneuvering to portray himself as a centrist fighting from within the country. From abroad, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is intensifying her international agenda."

"On Monday, she met with the Pope, and this Thursday she will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Meanwhile, opposition figures living in hiding, such as Alfredo Ramos, former mayor of the city of Barquisimeto, have returned to the country after spending 17 months underground. Aware that exile often amounts to a politician's social death, and trusting in greater openness from the regime, new voices hope to emerge from the shadows and rejoin the debate as soon as possible."

Venezuelan opposition has a history of relentless resistance, often nearly seizing power but repeatedly being crushed. Post-2024 election violence forced thousands into hiding, exile, or prison and halted the latest peaceful electoral effort. The ouster of President Nicolas Maduro and the prospect of new elections produced a realignment across opposition sectors. Domestic and exiled figures are repositioning: Henrique Capriles as a centrist operating inside the country, Maria Corina Machado expanding an international agenda, and returning figures like Alfredo Ramos reemerging after months underground. The Maduro government and the Rodríguez siblings assembled a compliant opposition group that calls for political prisoner releases while preserving regime appearances.

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