The Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), the largest opposition coalition in Venezuela, presented this Sunday the "National Agreement for the Recovery of the Republic," a 14-point roadmap that reaffirms the leadership of María Corina Machado and outlines the path towards a democratic transition in the country.
The document was read publicly by Biagio Pilieri, a leader of the Convergencia party and former political prisoner, on behalf of the opposition coalition. Pilieri recited the central theme of the proposal: "A peaceful, orderly, and sustainable transition for Venezuela based on the creation of conditions that allow for effective negotiation and the holding of free, competitive, and verifiable elections, with a priority on presidential elections."
Among the points of the agreement is the explicit recognition of Machado's leadership and that of presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia in the fight for Venezuelan freedom and democracy.
The proposal also demands "the immediate release of all political prisoners," estimated at 322 by the Foro Penal, as well as "the respect and recognition of the National Assembly elected in 2015" and the "restoration of constitutional guarantees."
Other points in the document demand "an end to political persecution" and the "safe return of Venezuelans in exile," including Machado herself, who has reported at least seven failed attempts to return to Venezuela since the end of June.
The agreement also enshrines democratic alternation and prohibits indefinite reelection in executive positions, promotes an effective separation between Government, State, and political parties, and demands the lifting of political disqualifications along with the restoration of the names, symbols, and electoral cards of the parties.
The PUD called on all political, social, and economic sectors to participate in the construction of this agreement, aiming for "the institutional, economic, and social reconstruction of the country" and "the reunification of the Venezuelan family."
The presentation of the agreement comes at a time of tension within the opposition camp. Since August, a sector led by Dinorah Figuera —president of the National Assembly elected in 2015— has maintained a formal dialogue table with chavismo, represented by Jorge Rodríguez, with the support of Washington.
The third round of those negotiations started in Caracas on October 14, just four days before the PUD presented its own roadmap.
Neither Machado nor González Urrutia are directly participating in that table. On October 16, Machado publicly denounced that Washington excluded her from the discussions between the government of Delcy Rodríguez and opposition sectors.
The Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Figuera in Washington on October 9 and expressed the support of the U.S. for the dialogue process, in which the PUD does not have direct participation.
In this context, the "National Agreement" serves as a significant political signal: the PUD aims to set its own agenda and reaffirm that any solution must go through "the sovereign will of the people expressed through free elections."
Machado has supported July 24, 2027 —the birthday of Simón Bolívar— as a possible date for the presidential elections, a proposal put forward by U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, while Rodríguez's government has stated that there will be elections without presenting a concrete timeline.
Related videos:
Filed under: